The Libby Rabies Clinic will be held this year from Monday, May 6, through Friday, May 10, to coincide with National Pet Week.

Vaccines are available for dogs, cats and pet ferrets.

Veterinarians Doug Griffiths and Fred Conkel will be conducting the clinic, an annual springtime event in Libby for over 40 years. Rabies vaccinations will be offered at half the normal fee.

Rabies remains a major concern of veterinarians and public health officials. Although northwest Montana isn’t particularly plagued with rabies at the present time, almost all warm-blooded species of animals can become infected.

With virus reservoirs in wildlife populations and bats, immunization of pets serves to create an immune barrier for humans. Community-wide vaccination of pets is the most important means of preventing exposure of people to this deadly disease.

Controlling free-roaming strays and reducing unwanted and unexpected births in pet animals improves the public health situation should rabies gain a future foothold in the indigenous wildlife of the region. Local veterinarians say that the tireless efforts of Kootenai Pets for Life and Lincoln County Animal Control are of great value.

It is essential to call the veterinarians’ offices for an appointment. Vaccination will be by appointment only. The clinic will run Monday through Friday. Rabies vaccination will cost $9. Pets must be healthy and at least four months old.

Call Treasure Valley Veterinary Clinic, 406-293-7410, or Westgate Animal Clinic, 406-293-2300, for an appointment or if you have any questions about your pet’s eligibility or current vaccination status.