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Home My WebLink AboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1983-06-08, Page 511 I $ 1 i ,,, iJ( I' , . / 1 11I jO.*pdIlil/ '''tt/'.-!*- % JP ithil14P 'V all ,,,,,, news Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, June 8, 1983—Page 5 Rabies on the increase in Huron, plan free summer clinic A free rabies clinic in Huron County is a possibility this summer as the number of rabies cases increases. Huron's district veterinarian Dr. William Thompson of Seaforth told the June session of county council that to the end of May this year there have been 44 cases of rabies reported. That figure com- pares to seven cases in 1979, 73 cases in 1980, 62 cases in 1981 and 79 cases in 1982. Dr. Thompson said the last rabies clinic held in the coun- ty was in 1980. There were 12 such clinics held that year throughout Huron. But with the 1983 statistics already climbing, Dr. Thompson said he has been told by his superiors that it's possible a clinic may be held this summer. "It's not definite," stress- ed Dr. Thompson as the clinics have to be approved by Agriculture Canada. The veterinarian also pointed out that most of the animals affected by rabies are not domestic pets. Skunks and foxes take the highest percentage of rabies cases. Cattle, horses, cats and dogs make up a very small percentage of the rabid animals. Dr. Thompson said he has noticed a trend in the rabies cases being reported. "They don't stay in one area. Last fall cases were reported in the northern part of the county, but in more re- cent months, cases have been reported in the south," said Dr. Thompson referring to McKillop and Tuckersmith Township as opposed to Ashfield and the Wawanoshes. "They haven't had rabies in Tuckersmith for a good number of years," com- mented the doctor. Generally rabies have in- creased in southern Ontario since 1956. "The problem now is we'll never be able to eradicate rabies in wild animals. It's difficult to do much about it. Theoretically we could eliminate the skunks and foxes, but that would upset the balance of nature," said Dr. Thompson. He reported that the Ministry of Natural Resources has worked on a program whereby "dead" vaccine is used as bait for wild animals but, "they haven't had a great deal of success." Huron's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Harry Cieslar stated that a lot of the rabies vaccines are given because of human carelessness. He warns people to stay away from a rabid animal and if a family pet has been in con- tact with a wild animal, which could be noticeable by the pet having the hair or fur of another animal in its mouth, the pet shouldn't be handled. Dr. Cieslar reported that in 1980, 48 rabies vaccines were given, in 1981 33 vac- cines, in 1982, 29 vaccines and to date in 1983, 28 vac- cines have been given. He notes that the to -date figure is considerably higher as 21 of the vaccine cases relate to one dog. The anti -rabies vaccine series of six injections isn't cheap either. The six shots, cost about $600. Surrounding counties have not been affected by rabies as much as Huron. Perth County had 21 cases of rabies reported last year with 14 so far this year. Middlesex County has had 15 cases reported so far this year compared to 25 for the same period last year. Dr. Thompson said he would "keep pushing to get a free rabies clinic." Recognize any of these darling faces? If you do, call the Sentinel, 528-2822. Lucknow concert band tour... •from page 1 our numbers. Our last concert was at Norwich Public School, Mr. Cayley's public school and home town. As well as students, senior citizen friends, former Norwich band friends, family mem- bers and his Public and High School principals were in attendance. The local newspaper there is reporting on our band tour, the conductor being a former resident. Tired but sad to see the end of another tour, band members returned to Lucknow. Special appreciation for making this trip so successful go to our most patient conductor, Gordon Cayley, our most helpful chaper- ones, Anne Pritchard and Dr. Jack McKim and our bus drivers, Oliver Glenn and Jack Sticklend. This year the band has one more event to round out the year as they now prepare for Jamboree celebrations. lel` �i J6 �Zt J Las so the buyers you want in our classified ad section. We'll advertise your car, home, appliance, antiques, or whatever you are selling. Or if you're looking for a particular item, we just might be advertising it. Let us help you with your buying & selling. J 9 l\tOt cCkiro, SENTINEL � ssjf IQd eds Q 528-2822 0 / 528-2823