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In the wake of news that a feral cat found in Cederhurst had tested positive for rabies, Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead will be offering free vaccinations for the pets of all Nassau residents Aug. 24.
“As this is the first confirmed case of rabies since 2016, it is more important than ever to call the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter if you see a feral animal acting abnormally,” said Supervisor Don Clavin. “I encourage everyone with a beloved furry friend to join us at the free rabies vaccination clinic …”
The vaccinations will be available for dogs, cats and ferrets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the town animal shelter at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh.
What happened?
On Friday, July 19, town animal control officers responded to a call for a feral cat in Cedarhurst.
The officers brought the feline — who was displaying symptoms of rabies — to an emergency veterinarian after an initial examination. A sample was tested by the Nassau County Department of Health, who confirmed the cat was suffering from rabies.
It marked the first case of rabies in Nassau County since 2016, when a raccoon was identified with the disease.
“Rabies is a serious viral disease that is heavily fatal to both animals and humans,” Clavin said. “It’s something we take very seriously in the Town of Hempstead. The best way to combat and prevent rabies is by ensuring your pet is up to date on all rabies vaccinations. When it comes to this dangerous disease, it pays to be pro-active.”
The town has partnered with the Department of Health to host a free rabies vaccination clinic.
The Aug. 24 clinic is open to all Nassau County residents.
What the experts say
It is recommended for dogs, cats, and ferrets older than 4 months old receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years after.
However in New York State, law requires all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be spread to humans and pets through bites, scratches, or saliva from an infected animal. There is no treatment for rabies in animals, only preventative vaccination measures.
Once signs of rabies appear, death usually occurs within 10 days for animals.
Rabies directly affects the nervous system and has a high fatality rate. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, fear of drinking water, fear of air blowing into face, insomnia, partial paralysis and hallucination.
To protect yourself from exposure to possible rabies:
- -Do not feed or touch wild animals.
- -Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations
- -Keep family pets indoors at night
- -Do not touch dying or dead animals.
More from the Town of Hempstead: Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room, then call the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9663. Individuals can report feral animals by calling the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter at 516-538-1900.
Top: Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash
