Low cost rabies clinics scheduled
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Cherokee County is winning its fight with rabies, said local vets. There have been no rabies cases reported in 2008 to the Department of Health.

Only one rabid skunk was located last year. In 2006, two bats and one skunk were found to have rabies. In 2005, 12 rapid skunks were reported; eight skunks, one bat and one bobcat were reported in 2004; and one bat and one skunk in 2003.The annual rabies clinics are planned from May 3-12 at various sites in the county.

Last year 1,497 vaccines were administered to dogs and cats at the rabies clinics. The Cherokee Animal Clinic gave 604 shots, the most in the county. The two veterinarians there are Dr. Anthony Holcomb and Dr. Justin Novak; Dr. John Alexander, 431 vaccines, Dr. Ira Stephens, 403 shots and Dr. Dan Kessel, 59.

Clinic schedule includes: Saturday, May 3: 1 p.m. Nichols Green Park, Dr. Alexander.

Monday, May 5: 5:30 p.m. Reece community center; 6 p.m. Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Novak, Reklaw community center; 7 p.m. Dr. Alexander, Pierce's Chapel old store.

Tuesday, May 6: 5:30 p.m. Dr. Alexander, New Summerfield school; 5:30 p.m.; Dr. Stephens, New Hope Baptist Church; 6 p.m. Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Novak, Gallatin community center.

Wednesday, May 7: 8 a.m. Cherokee Animal Clinic, Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Novak; 5:30 p.m. Dr. Stephens, Mount Selman old store; 6:30 p.m. Dr. Alexander, Mixon First Baptist Church.

Thursday, May 8: 6 p.m. Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Novak, Maydelle First Baptist Church.

Saturday, May 10: Dr. Kessel, 5:30 p.m. Kessel Veterinary Clinic, Alto.

Monday, May 12: 5:30 p.m. Dr. Stephens, Craft Baptist Church; 5:30 p.m. Dr. Alexander, Dialville store

Canine vaccines are $8 for rabies; $30 for rabies, distemper and parvo; and $40 for rabies, distemper, parvo and kennel cough.

Feline vaccines are $8 for rabies; $30 for rabies and distemper and $40 for rabies, distemper and feline leukemia.