NEWPORT-Rabies clinics are scheduled to begin next weekend in Cocke County. Since 1997, the Cedarwood Veterinary Clinic has sponsored an annual fall program that raises rabies prevention awareness by vaccinating pets on specific dates in September at area schools. This event is held on three different weekends throughout the month.

      Several rabies prevention campaigns believe that the best way to prevent the spread of the viral disease is the vaccination of pets. "We weren't reaching enough people," said Dr. Sandra O'Connor of Cedarwood Veterinary Clinic. The local State Health Department provides the community with vaccinations in the spring. However, Dr. O'Connor says that the turnout for the fall program has been much larger in the past few years. In addition, most animals tend to have their litters in the spring and the Cedarwood Clinic begins vaccinating pets as young as 12 weeks old. O'Connor also mentioned that more hunters tend to bring their dogs in to be vaccinated in the fall.

      Rabies causes inflammation of the brain to the infected animal. Rabies can be passed from an infected animal to a non-infected animal through biting and scratching. A non-infected pet with an open wound can even get rabies if an infected animal licks that wound. Dr. O'Connor urges people to have their pets vaccinated because if they (owners) are infected with the viral disease, the only way to determine whether the pet is responsible or not is to examine the brain of the animal post mortem. According to the Knox County Department of Health, if a person is bitten, he or she should try to confine or capture the animal, if it can be done safely, until animal control can be notified. It should also be noted that if the infected animal is dispatched before animal control arrival, do not damage any portion of the head.

      The price of a one-year rabies vaccination for pets is still $7 per animal, while the distemper/parvo vaccination prices have risen to $13. This year's clinics will begin Saturday, Sept. 6, at Smoky Mountain Elementary School from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Grassy Fork School from 2:30 to 3 p.m. and Dr. Carol Hood will vaccinate pets at Parrottsville Elementary from 2 to 3 p.m.

      On Saturday, Sept. 13, Dr. Mack Hodgson will vaccinate pets at Cosby Elementary School (1 to 2:30 p.m.) and Edgemont Elementary School (3 to 3:30 p.m.). O'Connor will also perform vaccinations at Del Rio Elementary at the Jones Nature Center between 1 and 2 p.m.

      The last date for pet owners to have their pets vaccinated at the fall rabies clinic will be Sept. 20, at Bridgeport Elementary (12:30 to 2 p.m.) and Centerview Elementary (3:30 to 4:30 p.m.).