Saturday Sept. 28 is World Rabies Day.  Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can be passed between warm-blooded animals. If an animal or human is infected and is not treated immediately, this infection can result in death. Reporting animal bites and scratches, as well as ensuring pets are immunized, is crucial to stop the spread of this disease.

Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics will be held in the community on September 28. At the clinic, the rabies vaccination will be provided for only $35 (HST included) and that will protect an animal for up to 3 years. The clinic in Picton is atPrince Edward Animal Hospital, 14011 Loyalist Parkway, Highway 33. A full list of participating clinics and locations is available on the website of Public Health at www.hpepublichealth.ca

According to Public Health, globally, rabies is a major cause of animal and human death; in Canada there continues to be a risk of rabies infection. This spring, a young man died of rabies after being exposed to a bat in British Columbia. Closer to home, Hamilton is experiencing an increase in cases of raccoon rabies which have spread to at least one cat and dog.

Keep yourself and your pets safe. Be sure to vaccinate your cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies. Not only is rabies immunization the best way to prevent rabies in humans; it is also legally required for all cats and dogs over 12 weeks of age.For more information, visit the website of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health or contact them at 613-966-5500 x 677.

Taken from the newsletter of HPE Public Health.

Lunch and Learn for Seniors –October 2nd in Picton Town HallCome on out and enjoy great food and conversation with old and new friends and learn something new, too on Wed., Oct. 2nd at 12 noon. The menu features homemade soup, baked leg of ham, potatoes, vegetables, carrot cake, bread and butter, and coffee/tea and will be catered by Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheel House and Occasions Catering.  The cost is $10 per person. The learning portion is in partnership with PEC Fire Department presenting on Plan and Practice Your Escape. Reserve by the Tuesday prior at 12 noon by calling 613-476-7493.  Take-out and delivery are available.  County Seniors Centre programming is heating up for fall.  There’s a blood pressure clinic in North Marysburgh Town Hall on October 1st; Social Euchre starts on the same day in Hillier Town Hall; the 55 Alive Mature Driving Course is on October 3rd; Chair Fitness starts on October 3rd; Mark’s Quartet will play on October 8th; an acrylic paint workshop will also be on October 8th; Rhythm Dance Lessons for singles or couples starts October 10th; and the supervised walking programs in both Picton and Wellington start on October 15th.

Call 613-476-7493 to sign up or for more information or visit www.communitycareforseniors.org.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes