By Hannah Benjamin

Sun Staff Writer

NORWICH – Donation only 2017 county-wide rabies clinics have been scheduled by the Chenango County Department of Health.

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, as this kills the virus.

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 to qualify for three year coverage. Clinic organizers ask attendees bring all of their pet's updated vaccination records.