VALLEY STREAM, NY - As a public service, Central Veterinary Associates, P.C. will be offering rabies vaccines free of charge for pets at Pet Works on May 22 from noon to 5 p.m. The store is located at 605 Rockaway Turnpike in Lawrence.
According to the Mayo Clinic, rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal. The most recent case of rabies on Long Island was discovered in January 2009 when a raccoon was confirmed to have the virus. Last year, the New York City Health Department's Bureau of Communicable Diseases confirmed two cases of rabies in Queens County: a raccoon on September 28, 2010 off the Cross Island Parkway and an opossum on October 15, 2010 on the corner of 54th Avenue and Justice Avenue.
The signs or symptoms of rabies are not detected until the disease is in its later stages, often days before death. Signs and symptoms may include fever, headache, agitation, anxiety, confusion, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, hydrophobia (fear of water) because of the difficulty in swallowing, hallucinations, insomnia and partial paralysis.
"We are attempting to eradicate this dangerous disease that is deadly to both animals and humans," said Dr. Steven Fox, President/Chief Executive Officer, Central Veterinary Associates. "It is important that your pet be vaccinated for rabies, not just for your pet's health but because it is required under New York State law. We would like to thank Pet Works for giving us the opportunity to provide free vaccines for these animals."
In addition to getting free vaccinations for their pets, pet owners can get training tips from a dog trainer and get their pet's picture taken by a pet photographer.
For more information, call 1 (888) 4CVA-PET (428-2738) or visit www.centralvets.com.
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About Central Veterinary Associates, P.C.
Central Veterinary Associates, P.C. is a 24-hour, full-service hospital that provides optimal small animal medicine, including exotic medicine. The main hospital is located in Valley Stream, which provides 24-hour care at its state-of-the-art facility. Central Veterinary Associates also has other convenient locations in Great Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, Far Rockaway and Belle Harbor. The hospital features intensive care units and intravenous infusion pumps and offers state-of-the-art radiology, endoscopy, ultrasonography, otoscopy and dentistry services. Central Veterinary Associates has over 100 staff members, including 14 veterinarians, as well as a board-certified radiologist and surgeon. For more information, call 1 (888) 4CVA-PET (428-2738) or visit www.centralvets.com.