Clinic Rescheduled by Montclair Health Dept.

Clinic for dogs and cats rescheduled.

The Montclair Health Department Cedar Grove rabies clinic scheduled for Feb. 10 has been canceled, according to the Montclair town website. The state health department recalled the vaccine and the Health Department is awaiting replacement vaccine. The department anticipates receiving the vaccine in time for the Montclair clinic scheduled for Feb. 25.

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite, and the animals most likely to transmit rabies in the country include bats, coyotes, raccoons and skunks. When animals are infected with rabies, it causes acute inflammation of the brain in most warm-blooded animals.

Animal owners are encouraged to make themselves knowledgeable about this disease. Early symptoms include fevers and pain at the site of exposure, which is usually followed by violent movements, excitement or fear of water. Most symptoms nearly always results in death.

The next clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 25 will be held at the Harrison Avenue Fire Station, which is located at 151 Harrison Avenue in Montclair. The free clinic will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dogs will be accepted from 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., and cats will be accepted from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Montclair Helath Department reminds the public that dogs and cats should not be fed for six hours prior to the rabies vaccination. Each dog and cat must be on a leash or carrier and accompanied by an adult.

For questions or more information, the Montclair Health Department can be reached by phone at 973-509-4970. The Department of Heath and Human Services is located in the Township of Montclair Municipal Building at 205 Claremont Avenue on the third floor.

According to the department’s web page, the Department of Health and Human Services “enforces health and housing regulations, public health nursing, animal control, environmental health, senior citizen services, Section 8 housing and the registrar’’s office.” Additionally, their mission statement is to protect and enhance the health and the quality of life of Montclair residents through preventative activities, coordination of interagency efforts and interventions designed to promote positive health behaviors.

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