Free Rabies Clinic Planned In Hempstead After First Case Since 2016

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Jan. 22, 2025 — The Town of Hempstead will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on August 24 after a feral cat in Nassau County tested positive for the virus — the first confirmed case in the county since 2016.

The cat was found in Cedarhurst and tested positive last Thursday, prompting health officials to respond quickly.

To prevent further spread, the Nassau County Department of Health and the Town of Hempstead will offer free rabies shots for pets at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, located at 3320 Beltagh Ave. in Wantagh. The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 24.

“Rabies is a serious threat, and there is no cure,” said Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. “We strongly urge residents to avoid contact with wild or feral animals and make sure their pets are properly vaccinated. This case is a clear reminder that rabies still poses a risk, even after years without reports.”

Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads through bites, scratches, or saliva from infected animals. To stay safe, officials recommend the following precautions:

Avoid feeding or touching wild or stray animals.
Make sure pets — including dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and livestock — are up to date on rabies shots.
Keep unvaccinated pets indoors and supervise them closely outside.
Bring pets indoors at night and never leave them outside alone.
Don’t feed unknown animals or allow them near your home.
Teach children to stay away from unfamiliar animals, especially those behaving strangely.
If a wild animal is on your property, keep children and pets indoors and call a licensed wildlife control expert.
Do not touch dead or dying animals. If necessary, use a shovel, wear gloves, and double-bag the body.

At the free clinic, dogs must be on a leash, and cats or ferrets must be in secure carriers. Health officials recommend that pets over four months old get two rabies shots one year apart, followed by boosters every three years.

For more details, residents can contact the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter or visit the county’s website.