CARLSBAD — In light of the increased amount of rabies cases cropping up across Eddy County, the Carlsbad Police Department, along with local veterinarians, are putting on a rabies clinic for Carlsbad residents.

Artesia has had two skunks and one house cat test positive for rabies, an acute viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of its victim, within the last couple of weeks, making it possible for rabies to be present in other parts of Eddy County, said Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce representatives.

The severity of this condition is often understated, but rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before symptoms develop, in animals and in people, said the health department.

according to the Department of Health Services, rabies is transmitted in the saliva of rabies infected animals. when a person is bitten, or receives a lick to an open scratch, wound or mucus membrane, the virus can enter the body.

The local rabies clinic will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Desert Willow Veterinary Services, 512 E. Fiesta Drive.

All local vet clinics are participating as well as representatives from Carlsbad Animal Control and Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter.

The clinic is for cats and dogs only, and puppies and kittens must be at least 14 weeks old, or older, said representatives of the Eddy County Agriculture Extension Office. Clinic participants ask that your animals be on a leash or in a pet carrier.

The cost is $10 per animal, cash only, said Sgt. Jennifer Moyers with the CPD.

“If your pet is eligible for a three-year rabies vaccination, then you must bring your previous vaccination certificate as proof, otherwise your pet will receive a one-year vaccine and certificate,” said Woods Houghton with the extension office.

“The best protection you can provide your pets, horses and cattle is giving them a rabies vaccination,” said Dr. Samantha Uhrig of Desert Willow.

Uhrig said animals that may have been exposed should receive a booster shot immediately, even if it is before the three year period.

Failing to get your animals vaccinated can also have legal consequences. according to documents from the Carlsbad Municipal Court, residents can be charged and fined if they fail to get their animals vaccinated.

In the event that you, a friend or family member are bitten, the health department recommends that you wash all wounds and contact areas thoroughly with soap and water, contact your physician immediately for evaluation, call the local animal control department to report the incident, try to keep the animal confined, but don’t risk further injury if the animal is dangerous and keep children and pets away from all animals involved in the incident.

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for more information about rabies, visit the Department of Health website at nmhealth.org/ERD/HealthData/rabies.shtml.

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what: Rabies Clinic for cats and dogs, 14 weeks or older

when: 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Desert Willow Veterinary Services, 512 E. Fiesta Drive

Cost: $10 per animal, cash only

who: Hosted by local veterinarians and Carlsbad Police Department

Rabies is an acute viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in dogs. And "one of the most common dog diseases. if you think your dog may have health problems, I've listed below those of rabies. these are signs you should look for when you think your dog may have rabies. here are : health problems for dogs, symptoms of rabies

1. Behavior Change Usually, the first thing to be careful when they suspect a case of rabies is likely to change behavior. your dog can become easily excited, "a little nervous and worried. This condition may disappear, to reappear in a short time. There are cases where a dog was friendly suddenly becomes irritable and quick as a dog that was very good can be easy.

A few days later, the dog may tend to wander, sometimes you can find about one or two days. after his return, notice of which is considerably thinner. The dog then develop a preference for the dark corners and hidden areas. you can also occur at times there is a change in the way the dog barks, a change of tone in the cortex.

2. partial paralysis Later you may notice that your dog is partially paralyzed, he stumbles, it is also difficult to drink water even if you put a great effort. The expansion will continue until complete paralysis, and finally gets his dog dies.

3. Shadow Dog worst case, the dog becomes aggressive, it will break any object placed before him, can also attack other dogs. when put in a cage of bars aggressive dog attack that can break some of your teeth.

Note that many dogs with rabies do not necessarily have the above symptoms. Symptoms may be more or less obvious and possibly may be manifested by paralysis.

In a case called "silent form of anger" outsiding characteristics are the symptoms of paralysis. The dog can be vicious, or is excitable and tends not to move. A unique feature of the "silent form of anger" is the paralysis of the lower jaw, also called "open-mouthed." the dog's jaw 'is still open, has lost the power to close mouth clean, but can be closed by the hand of man. where do you see the dog's jaw is gone, do not try to close, which can lead to infections with hand, noted that anger is contagious and can spread from dogs to humans.

These are the symptoms to look for when your dog may seem to be rabid. t Do not forget to consult a doctor if necessary.