After rabies case, Town of Hempstead to offer clinic

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, along with a town veterinarian and animal experts from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, provided an update on a feral cat found in Cedarhurst that tested positive for rabies last Thursday. This case marks the first instance of rabies in Nassau County since 2016 when a raccoon was identified with the disease. In response, the town announced a partnership with the Nassau County Department of Health to host a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

“Rabies is a serious viral disease that is heavily fatal to both animals and humans,” Clavin said. “It’s something we take very seriously in the Town of Hempstead. The best way to combat and prevent rabies is by ensuring your pet is up to date on all rabies vaccinations. When it comes to this dangerous disease, it pays to be proactive.”

On Friday, July 19, Town of Hempstead Animal Rescue responded to a call regarding a feral cat in Cedarhurst. Animal control officers promptly brought the feline to an emergency veterinarian, where the Nassau County Department of Health confirmed the cat was suffering from rabies.

In light of this discovery, the Town of Hempstead, in collaboration with the Nassau County Department of Health, will host a free rabies clinic on Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh. Dogs, cats, and ferrets older than four months should receive their first two shots one year apart, followed by booster shots every three years. New York State law requires all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. The clinic is open to all Nassau County residents.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites, scratches, or salivary contact from an infected animal. There is no treatment for rabies in animals, making vaccination essential. Once signs of rabies appear, death usually occurs within 10 days for animals. The disease affects the nervous system and has a high fatality rate. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, fear of drinking water, fear of air blowing into the face, insomnia, partial paralysis, and hallucinations.

To protect against rabies, do not feed or touch wild animals, ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations, keep family pets indoors at night, and do not touch dying or dead animals. Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9663. To report feral animals, call the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter at (516) 538-1900.

“As this is the first confirmed case of rabies since 2016, it is more important than ever to call the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter if you see a feral animal acting abnormally,” Clavin said. “I encourage everyone with a beloved furry friend to join us at the free rabies vaccination clinic on August 24.”