BENTONVILLE -- The Arkansas Health Department will partner with Northwest Arkansas veterinarians in the Benton County Rabies Clinic Week 2014 from Saturday through May 3.
Some veterinarians will have "walk-up" clinics, while others will offer rabies vaccinations at reduced rates. State law requires dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, according to a news release.
Rabies is a disease that affects the brain and nerves and can be fatal. The disease is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Rabies can also be spread by getting the saliva from a rabid animal in the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound.
Three skunks found in Benton County have tested positive for rabies this year, according to the Arkansas Health Department. There were no human exposures, but a dog not current on its rabies vaccination was exposed. This marks the first time skunks have tested positive in the county since 2004, and the first rabies cases in the county since 2007.
The state has had 68 animals -- 56 skunks, one fox, eight bats, one cow, one cat and one dog -- test positive for rabies this year. Last year, 152 animals tested positive in Arkansas, triple the yearly average.
For more information on the clinics and the dates and times for vaccinations, call the Benton County Health Unit at 479-986-1358.
NW News on 04/24/2014