Amador County, CA – Amador County Public Health and Animal Control Departments remind residents that rabies in wildlife continues to pose a risk to pets and people. On June 24, 2020, a kitten, in an unincorporated area outside of Ione, tested positive for rabies. The kitten did not have current vaccination to provide protection from the rabies virus. Multiple animals that were potentially in contact with this kitten will be evaluated.

“Rabies vaccinations and awareness are the best defense,” states Kelly Reason, Amador County Animal Control Director. “Owners need to remember the importance of having their pets vaccinated and to follow-up with required boosters as recommended by their veterinarian to keep their pets and families safe.” Indoor animals should also receive this vaccine as bats can be discovered by pets in the home.

Two drive-through low-cost rabies vaccination clinics have been scheduled in collaboration with Alison Pillsbury, DVM. The cost will be $10 each. The clinics will be cash only. Please remain in your vehicle.

Drive-through clinics are scheduled on two upcoming dates:
 Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from 6 pm – 7 pm at the Westover Field airport parking lot:
 12380 Airport Road, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
 Sunday, July 12, 2020 from 8 am – 9 am at the Westover Field airport parking lot
 12380 Airport Road, Sutter Creek, CA 95685 In addition to vaccination, there are several things Amador residents can do to protect themselves and their pets:
 Avoid contact with wildlife and animals you do not know. If you or your pets have contact with wildlife, contact Animal Control.
 If you are bitten:
o Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water.
o Seek medical attention.
o Contact Amador County Animal Control, so the wildlife can be tested.
 Contact Animal Control and your veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a skunk, bat, raccoon or other wildlife.
 If a bat is inside your home, do NOT let it out. Close off the room to confine it and contact Animal Control for testing.

Rabies is a deadly disease that kills both animals and humans. The rabies virus is almost always fatal. The only treatment is prevention. In California, bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are the most frequent carriers of rabies. For more information on rabies and pet vaccination, contact your veterinarian or Amador County Animal Control at (209) 223-6378.

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