CHENANGO COUNTY – The next string of 2013 countywide rabies clinics have been scheduled.

“Vaccination of domestic animals are our number one defense against rabies,” said Chenango County Director of Environmental Health Isaiah Sutton.

The rabies clinics are free to all although donations are greatly appreciated, and go a long way towards making the free clinics a possibility.

“It’s not necessary, but we will take any nickles we can get,” said Sutton.

All domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets older than four months are required by state law to receive immunization for rabies, according to a county health department press release. If a domesticated pet is not vaccinated and it is bitten, it must be confined at the owner’s expense for ten days at a certified facility. Even if vaccinated, a pet which is bitten by any sort of wildlife should be confined within the home for ten days. Saliva can transmit rabies to humans so it is important to allow pets which are bitten to dry off before they are handled, caution experts. Immunized pets which are bitten also require a vaccine booster dose within five days of having been bitten. Pets vaccinated for their first time must be vaccinated again the following year and clinic organizers ask attendees bring all of their furry companion’s updated vaccination records.