As cases of rabies in domestic animals are reported closer and closer each year to the Mississippi state line, officials are concerned the state might be running out of luck. To address this potential problem for Mississippi's dog and cat populations, state Health Department officials and members of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association are joining forces to protect animals and people. Vaccination clinics for cats and dogs will be held on four weekends at numerous sites around the state.
Bats represent the only high risk exposure to rabies for people or animals in Mississippi.
Brackin said animals are especially at risk because of their chances of becoming infected after finding and chewing on a weak or dead rabid bat. Each Saturday from April 19 through May 10, the MVMA and health department officials will conduct vaccination clinics in areas where pets are less likely to see veterinarians on a regular basis, mainly in the rural parts of the state. Area media outlets or local health departments should have times and locations for the clinics. You only have to worry about getting rabies once. It is a fatal disease.