The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s gave 345 rabies shots at its annual Rabies Vaccination Clinic held May 18 at Valley Park, 2077 Cambridge Drive.

Rabies, a viral disease of humans, pets and wild animals, is transmitted from animals to humans by the saliva of a rabid animal, usually from a bite.

Rabies vaccinations typically cost about $20, making this clinic a great value to pet owners. “A rabies shots gives protection to the pet as well as its owner and the other people of Lexington, said Luke Mathis, LFCHD Environmental Health team leader and one of the event’s organizers. “We’re pleased to provide this useful public health service as we help Lexington be well.”

State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets maintain a current rabies vaccination. The health department gave 313 rabies shots during the May 2016 clinic. The LFCHD Rabies Control Program received 711 animal bite reports last year, with LFCHD staff making sure each animal was up to date on all rabies vaccination shots.

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, the Lexington Humane Society, the Lexington-Fayette County Division of Parks and Recreation Department and the Cardinal Valley Park Activity Board also sponsored the clinic.