Franklin County Health Dept to Hold Countywide Rabies Clinic Saturday

The Franklin County Health Department is sponsoring a rabies clinic this Saturday afternoon, May 21 at various locations around the county.

Veterinarians from all three of the county’s animal hospitals will be out offering the rabies vaccine for dogs and cats for $5 per animal.

Dr. April Steele will be at the Fr. County Health Department 1:30 – 2:20 PM, New Franklin Church from 2:30 – 3:20 PM, and Canon Baptist Church from 3:30 – 4:20 PM.

Dr. Pat Hitchcock, D.V.M. will be at Line Community Center 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Poplar Springs Baptist Church on Gumlog Road from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, and Red Hill Ball Field 3:30 – 4:30 PM.

And Dr. Doris Cato will be at Smith’s Farm Supply in Royston 12:30 -1:30 PM, Sandy Cross Community Center 2:00 – 3:00 PM, and Double Churches Fire Station 3:30 – 4:30 PM.

Rabies in wild and domestic animals is a problem all year round but is particularly prevalent in the warmer months when wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, and skunks are more active.

Cases of rabies in the 13-County District II Public Health region area have been fairly consistent over the years but another reminder for everyone is that rabies can be transmitted from animals to humans and if not caught in time, is always fatal.

If you are bitten by a rabid animal you need to seek help at your local hospital as soon as possible to get the post-exposure series of vaccinations, which is the only way to prevent the rabies virus from being fatal.

Jennifer Kinsey, District Environmental Health Director for District 2 Public Health tells WLHR News since January 2021, there have been 14 rabies positives in Franklin County.

They include 8-skunks, 3-raccoons, 2-cats, and 1-cow.

Again, the Franklin County Rabies Clinic takes place this Saturday afternoon, May 21.

If you have questions, you can contact the Franklin County Health Department at 706-384-5575.