Charlotte, NC – The Mecklenburg County Health Department and local veterinarians are partnering to offer low-cost rabies vaccinations during Rabies Vaccination Week, May 1 - 6, 2006.

Mecklenburg County veterinarians and animal hospitals are offering the shots for $7.50 and will waive the normal visit fee. Pet owners are urged to call their veterinarian's office first to make an appointment.

Environmental epidemiology specialist Al Piercy handles rabies and animal bite investigations for the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Piercy urges all pet owners to make certain their pets' rabies vaccinations are current. "Even though we have seen a slight decrease in rabies cases in Mecklenburg County over the past couple of years, we must continue to be vigilant and work towards keeping that number low," he says.

Mecklenburg County usually sees an average of 150-200 animal bites each year. Rabies can infect any mammal. In North Carolina, the disease is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes. However, it can also be found in cats, dogs, bats and other animals.

The virus is transmitted through contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of an infectious animal-usually through a bite. If an exposed person is not treated quickly, the virus may infect the person or animal and could kill them.

For more information about rabies and its prevention, or to report a possible case, please call 704-336-6440 or go to our Web site at www.meckhealth.org.