From the Current-Argus

CARLSBAD — After a slew of confirmed rabies cases in the first month of 2012, local police are encouraging residents to get their animals vaccinated against the fatal disease at a low cost clinic tomorrow.

According to Carlsbad Police Department Lt. Jennifer Moyers, Eddy County had 11 confirmed rabies cases during 2011 and nine confirmed cases in January 2012 alone.

the latest case involved a dog that tangled with a rabid skunk in the 600 block of North 11th Street in Carlsbad.

at the beginning of January, a female dog was bitten by a wild skunk three weeks before developing symptoms of rabies and was euthanized as a result. Samples were sent in for testing.

at the time of the incident, the NM Department of Health was interviewing individuals who had contact with the dog and/or her puppies to determine if they were exposed to the disease.

Several family members, including two young children, were given a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent them from developing rabies, which is a 100 percent fatal disease.

“This outbreak of rabies in skunks in the Carlsbad area needs to be taken very seriously by everyone in the community and surrounding area,” said Dr. Paul Ettestad, the Department of Health’s public health veterinarian. “Everyone should encourage their family and their neighbors to have their pets vaccinated against rabies to protect their community.”

Community members will receive another opportunity to get their pets vaccinated at the low-cost clinic, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at Desert Willow Veterinary Services, located at 512 E. Fiesta.

Puppies and kittens must be at least 14 weeks old to receive the vaccine and in order to obtain a three-year vaccine, a certificate of previous vaccination must be provided, otherwise a one-year vaccine will be given.

Officials ask that dogs be on a leash and cats be in carriers.

apart from being a safety measure for pets and families, having up-to-date rabies vaccinations is required by law.

what: Rabies Vaccination Clinic

when: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11

Where: Desert Willow Veterinary Services, 512 E. Fiesta

Cost: $10 per vaccine, cash only