LISBON — The Columbiana County Health District is partnering with Lisbon Veterinary Clinic, the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center and the Columbiana County Fair Board to host a Reduced Rabies Prevention Clinic. The clinic will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the fairgrounds in the Columbiana County Vaccination Complex (CCVC). The CCVC is accessible by using the Vista gate entrance located of off Vista Drive, Lisbon. The cost per dose is $5, and only cash payments will be accepted. Come prepared with exact change. All pets must be at least 3 months old. Dogs must be leashed, and cats must be crated or otherwise confined.

Earlier this year in Columbiana County, a bat tested positive for rabies after being found in a bedroom with a child. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system and is almost always transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Effective vaccines exist to protect people, pets, and wildlife from rabies, which is fatal if left untreated in almost all cases.

The health district accepts raccoons, skunks, and bats for rabies testing through the Ohio Department of Health laboratory when human exposure is suspected. Examples of potential exposure include animal bites, scratches, or waking up in a room where a bat is present. If exposed, contact the health district office immediately even if not in possession of the animal.

The Columbiana County Health District continues to be a partner in prevention of rabies by acting as an animal drop off location for rabies surveillance in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, Division of Wildlife Services. County residents may drop off specimens including raccoons, groundhogs, and foxes for surveillance purposes only. This surveillance is intended for non-human exposures, such as fresh road kill and nuisance animals. Specimens must be deceased with the skull intact. Tissue must be fresh – please do not submit extremely decomposed specimens. All specimens should be double bagged and handled using water-repellent gloves to prevent exposure. Specimens can be submitted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the health district’s office located at 7360 state Route 45, Lisbon.

For information, contact the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.

Non-perishable food items including cases of water will be accepted at this event for the Columbiana County Junior Fair Board Stock-A-Trailer food drive. Your donation will go to the Hero’s and Halos group of county families in need with children with disabilities. For information contact Jamie Stacy at 330-398-4077 or ccjrfairboard@gmail.com.