LAURINBURG — Pet owners in Scotland County can have their animals vaccinated for rabies at a discounted price beginning on Saturday.

Three local veterinary offices will offer the rabies vaccinations throughout the month of April at a reduced rate of $10 each. Prices can range from $12 to $20 per shot. The state of North Carolina is helping offset the price.

The participating veterinarians and hours are as follows:

— Academy Animal Hospital (Dr. Brian Schillig) at 11241 Andrew Jackson Highway, Laurinburg. Clinics will be held at the veterinarian’s office Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturdays – 8:30 a.m.to noon – by Appointment only. For information, call 910-276-6068.

— Scotland Veterinary Hospital (Dr. M. M. Labib) at 17860 US 74, Laurinburg. Clinic hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. The office is closed on Saturday. For information call 910-276-4400.

— X-Way Animal Hospital (Dr. Olivia Guzman) at 13041 X-Way Road, Laurinburg. Clinic hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The office is closed every first and third Saturday. For information call 910-276-5300.

In North Carolina, the law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated before 4 months old and then at one- or three-year intervals, depending on the vaccine, for life. Wild animals locally that are most likely to become infected include raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats and wolves.

Wild animals locally that are most likely to become infected include raccoons, foxes, skunks and wolves.

Statistics dating from August 2008 show that Scotland County has had only one positive test coming back in 2013 for rabies from a fox. In 2017 there were two rabies cases, according to Kathie Cox, education director for Scotland County Health Department.

In 2016, the most recent data for surrounding counties show the following information: Richmond County had zero positive tests; Hoke County zero; and Robeson County had four animals test positive.

In 2016, 65 counties reported a total of 251 positive animal rabies cases in North Carolina, according to NC State Laboratory Public Health and NC Veterinary Public Health.

“Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, particularly mammals,” stated Adam Liles, animal control officer. “The virus can infect domestic pets, agricultural animals such as cows and horses, and people when they are exposed to wildlife”.

If a pet is not currently vaccinated and is bitten by an animal that might be rabid, animal control is required by law to either quarantine the pet for six months or euthanize it. The choice is made by the local health director.

Bats can also transmit this deadly disease to people. And because bats are small and quiet, and their bites are usually painless, people don’t always realize when they have been bitten. In recent years human cases of rabies in the United States are almost exclusively linked to bats.

Anytime a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, a young child, or anyone that is not capable of positively excluding even incidental contact with the bat, the bat should be tested for rabies if possible. Regardless, the person should contact their physician or health department to discuss the matter and the possible need for treatment to prevent rabies.

Anyone that sees an animal demonstrating unusual behavior is urged to contact animal control officers with the Scotland County Health Department at 277-2470, Ext. 4432 or Ext. 4450.

You may also visit the N. C. Division of Public Health’s Rabies website at: www.epi.state.nc.us and click on “Veterinary Public Health.”

Katelin Gandee | Laurinburg Exchange Two dogs wait in the lobby of Academy Animal Hospital, one of the three hospitals you can receive the $10 rabies vaccination.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_dog.jpgKatelin Gandee | Laurinburg Exchange Two dogs wait in the lobby of Academy Animal Hospital, one of the three hospitals you can receive the $10 rabies vaccination.

Scott Witten

Editor

Reach Scott Witten at 910-506-3023