CNHS helps to keep number of rabies cases in Nebraska low with free clinic

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — It's not rabies season but vaccinations are being provided for those with pets around the Grand Island community.

The Central Nebraska Human Society is having a free rabies clinic for a few days this month.

With over 30 shots given on Monday last week and the busy start they had Tuesday morning, several pet owners are taking advantage of this opportunity.

A $3,500 grant from the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is allowing CNHS to provide free rabies shots and discounted microchips to cats and dogs.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can be fatal for pets if contracted, so the humane society is working to keep that number low with the help of this clinic.

"It's really important to get a rabies vaccination for your pet, it is a requirement to get a city license, and it's just really good to all over maintain the health of you pets and protect others," said CNHS Veterinarian Jessika Benes.

Each year around 60 to 70 dogs and more than 250 cats are reported rabid according to the CDC.

To try and reduce that number, the Central Nebraska Human Society has been offering a few free rabies clinics.

CNHS Veterinarian Jessika Renes said rabies can be contracted from other pets but is more likely to come from wildlife, especially bats.

"A lot of times it does come from handling bats that are dead or they think are not a live as well as just trying to catch wildlife or just trying to catch a stray animal," said Benes.

Community Health Nurse Jonna Mangeot added, "it's hard to tell if you have been bitten by a bat or if your animal has been bitten by a bat. So, at that point we like to retrieve that animal and submit that for testing that way then you and your family and your animal you know that they are safe."

Veterinarian Benes said rabies is a virus which makes it difficult to treat.

"It is spread by saliva or bodily fluids and so that's we commonly see that aggressive animals attack and that's how they spread the disease," said Benes.

Once your pet or yourself come in contact with an animal that could be rabid, it's important that you report the incident right away and seek medical help. For animals, the consequences are DEADLY without their vaccination.

"There isn't a test for rabies without having to sacrifice your animal. We can quarantine them and those things, but it's not like we can do a simple blood test to see if an animal has rabies. It attacks the central nervous system and that's what needs to be tested," said Mangeot.

If you are bitten, Community Health Nurse Jonna Mangeot said you have a bit more time and a couple treatment options, but it is an urgent matter.

"The immune globulin covers you until the actual vaccinations take effect in your body which takes a couple of weeks," stated Mangeot.

Mangeot said the number of rabies cases in the U-S is low because of the high numbers of vaccinated domestic animals.

"It's important to make sure that your animal is vaccinated and spaying and neutering also helps keep that pet population down," said Mangeot.

CNHS is offering the clinic on different days and times to be more flexible for the community.

Their next one is Wednesday from 12 to 2 p.m.