Rabies clinics offered

Considered especially important after cat had disease

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009

The first is on Oct. 8 at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department; the second is Oct. 14 at the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department; and the third is Oct. 28 at the Solomons Volunteer Fire Department. Each is from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Barbara Carver, the vice president and treasurer of the organization, said that the clinics will offer rabies shots for cats, dogs and ferrets — "basically any warm blooded creature" — in either a carrier or on a leash.

She said that this year it is especially important to consider the shot as a cat tested positive for rabies earlier this month in Prince Frederick.

The kitten was part of a group of feral cats living near Prince Frederick Ford and one of 17 cats trapped and taken to foster homes with the hope of being adopted, according to the Calvert County Health Department.

It was noticed to have been behaving aggressively.

Carver said that she believes some of the other cats given away could have potentially been infected as well and owners should look out for early warning signs including the aforementioned aggression and foaming at the mouth.

lbuck@somdnews.com