Once again, the Humane Society of Harrison County held a "drive-through" event for dogs and cats to receive rabies vaccinations to protect them against the disease. The final numbers are not yet in, but estimates show that at least 250 companion animals benefited from the project.

The cost of the rabies vaccine was $5, or a panel of vaccines to prevent other diseases was available for $25, which included the rabies vaccine.

According to a Fact Sheet provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, rabies is an acute and deadly viral infection of the central nervous system. It is one of the most terrifying diseases known to man. Although rabies in humans is rare in the United States, as many as 18,000 Americans get rabies shots each year because they have been in contact with animals that may be infected with rabies.

The report continues, stating that rabies can affect wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and bats, as well as household pets such as dogs and cats. Vaccination of pets and livestock is the most effective control measure to prevent the disease in these animals and subsequent human exposure. According to the information in the Fact Sheet, vaccination programs in the U.S have largely eliminated canine (dog) rabies.

Experts advise all pet owners to keep rabies vaccinations current for all pets, both dogs and cats. The protection against the rabies virus could save a pet's life and it is a state law that all domestic pets must receive a rabies vaccination. Animals suspected of having rabies must be properly euthanized and the head sent in for testing. If the animal is not suspected of having already developed rabies, it can be confined and observed for a period of ten days.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from an animal to a human. It is a deadly viral disease for which there is no cure. Rabies inoculations given by area veterinarians cost $10.50. The price may vary from office to office, but the price is well worth it to keep the dog or cat protected.

As far as is known now, there has not been a rabid animal, domestic or wild, reported in Harrison County. There have been reports of rabid animals in Smith County and other nearby counties. Eventually, it could happen here. It is not worth taking a chance.

Every companion animal adopted from the Marshall Animal Shelter or The Pet Place will receive a certificate for rabies and other vaccinations when the adoption fee is paid. The new family will take the dog or cat to the veterinarian to receive the shot. Another good thing, the spay or neuter fee is also paid for at the time of adoption. Families adopting from the Shelter will make an appointment with a veterinarian for the surgery. If a dog or cat is a certain age, when adopted from The Pet Place, it will have been spayed or neutered and ready to go to its new "forever" home.