On July 25, authorities in the town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, captured a stray cat that tested positive for rabies. The first case of infection in a long time has put authorities on high alert. On July 29, authorities announced that they would open a free clinic at the end of next month. Vaccinations are required by state law for dogs, cats, and ferrets, so it’s best to keep your beloved pets up to date on their vaccinations to prevent the possibility of contracting rabies.
Free rabies clinic opens in Hempstead after stray cat tests positive
A stray cat was captured in Cedarhurst, Hempstead Township, Nassau County, New York on Thursday. Unfortunately, the cat tested positive for rabies. WNBCIt is the county’s first confirmed case of rabies in an animal since 2016, and authorities are taking swift action to prevent the disease from spreading more widely.
To address this issue, the Town of Hempstead has decided to open a free rabies clinic for pets on August 24. The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and residents can bring their dogs, cats and ferrets to get vaccinated.
The Nassau County Health Department is helping run the free clinic and staff are emphasizing that pets be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the viral disease. It is important to note that there is no cure for rabies, so it is extremely important to vaccinate your beloved pets.
Nassau Health Department Director Dr. Irina Gelman noted that it is best to avoid contact with wild animals. People should also avoid feeding or touching stray or stray animals. In addition to pet animals, livestock should also keep their rabies vaccinations up to date. Additionally, residents should exercise caution when handling dying or dead animals, such as using shovels or double-bagging carcasses. Thick rubber gloves should also be worn in these situations.
