The Animal Rescue League of Berks County(ARL), in partnership with Upper Bern Township, will host a vaccine clinic for dogs and cats at 40 North 4th Street (Shartlesville Community Park) on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Since July, the ARL has assisted in detecting rabies cases in Birdsboro, Wyomissing Borough, Upper Bern Township, and the City of Reading, most recently confirming a positive case from Upper Bern Township in the beginning of October. The ARL has also been informed of confirmed cases in Perry Township as well as Shoemakersville Borough.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Rabies Tracking Dashboard reports that Berks County is currently in the region with the highest amount of positive rabies cases this year in Pennsylvania. (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, BAHDS)
According to the CDC, rabies is a neurological virus that infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death in 99.9% of human cases if left untreated. Although 90% of reported cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife–mainly skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes–the virus can be transmitted to dogs, cats, and cattle who have not received vaccination. (Source: CDC)
“The most important thing you can do to protect your pet is ensure that they are up to date on their rabies vaccines,” said Dr. Sarah Rivera, Chief Medical Officer of the ARL.
During the event, pets can receive rabies vaccination as well as other protective vaccinations and microchips.
To learn more or register a pet for the clinic, visit berksarl.org/vaccineclinic.
