GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The recently held 52nd rabies clinic was made possible by sponsor Joe Darnell and the County Assessor’s Office. Veterinarian, Mary Ann Mann of the Lewisburg Animal Hospital and her husband were accompanied to several outposts in Greenbrier County by Animal Control Officer, James Shortridge, Greenbrier County Deputy Sheriff Travis Webber and members of her team, to provide the community with $10 rabies shots for both cats and dogs. They also were offering opportunities to secure tags for dogs, which are required by WV State Code.
Earlier this year, several animals were detected with rabies symptoms in Greenbrier County. From raccoons to bats and stray cats, the onslaught was apparent at which point news outlets conveyed to the public the risks involved for pet owners and non-pet owners alike. One bite could lead an animal to succumb to the deadly disease, and the outcome for an infected human is misery, even with the medical community’s advancements in rabies care.
There are several opinions on where and when the rabies virus originated and was recorded to infect the Western Hemisphere around 400 years ago. Its origination has been said to be most prominent in bat colonies and skunks, per the NIH (National Library of Medicine). Its transference to canines and ultimately Canadian Mongoose through early American wolf populations and early canines. With the influx of European dogs and breeding hundreds of years ago, its spread was unstoppable. 20th-century medicine has and is still working on its control. Today, parasites such as ticks, most prominently; and fleas can be held accountable for much of the spread. Vaccinating domestic breeds of cats and dogs is one sure way to stop the spread and protect pets, at the same time.
Mann is the proprietor of the Lewisburg Animal Hospital as was her father before her. As per the Lewisburg Animal Hospital website “In 1949 Dr. James F. Mann, Jr. opened the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Mann served the family pets of Greenbrier County partnering with several generations of families and treating their four-legged companions throughout his lengthy career. Dr. Mann’s love of animals was apparent to everyone he encountered and he instilled this love in his daughter Mary Ann. Mary Ann Mann pursued a degree in Veterinary Medicine [at Ohio State Veterinary College] and went into the family business. Our family-owned animal hospital was taken over by Dr. Mary Ann Mann and she has been happily running the animal hospital ever since.”
Speaking with Mann as they traveled along their excursions from Ronceverte to White Sulphur and everywhere in between, listeners learned that this clinic is the 52nd year the group has made affordable rabies shots, a reality for pet owners.
“My father did this for his community long before me so I carry on his [spirit of giving]. I am happy to be able to do this for folks,” said Mann. It was also an incredibly hot day but folks lined up with fur babies in tow, to be responsible pet owners. The team set up in shaded areas with tables, tags, paperwork and a cash box ready to quickly vaccinate. Mann even went to vehicles to reduce stress on animals who were not comfortable with being outside or with new friends about, to inoculate. It was seamless. Mann’s husband handled the paperwork and tags and the good doctor quickly and quietly reassured the pet as she gave the life-saving shots in the scruff of the neck.
County Assessor Joe Darnell simultaneously celebrated his birthday while being there to support the team’s efforts and as the sponsor, he moved about talking with pet owners and shaking hands. Another team was providing county tags for dog owners at a separate table.
Greenbrier County is fortunate to have such caring people who go out of their way to make life manageable, livable and safe from harm. Reach out to the Lewisburg Animal Hospital at 304-645-1434 for all your pet’s needs. Mann is set to celebrate the 75th year of her and her fathers’ achievements here in Lewisburg.
The public is urged to take advantage of this incredible program to protect our community. The Humane Society’s Community Liaison Kirstin Cole, who works closely with Mann, spoke briefly about the program. She said, “It’s a wonderful project and a way for people to get their animals shots, without the worry of having to surrender or paying fees. A lot of folks think we vaccinate here at the shelter. We do vaccinate our intakes but we do not provide those services to the public. So having these clinics is [paramount] to stopping the spread of rabies.”
Here are a few ways to help stop the spread of rabies:
1. Keep all garbage in a secure or locked trash can. This is paramount for keeping bears away too.
2. Do not feed your pets outside or leave food of any kind out. Be sure to thoroughly clean any food bowls after use outdoors. Clean up after a BBQ or picnic leaving no food sources.
3. Teach your children not to approach any animal at large or to call for an adult.
4. The West Virginia State Code requires that all pets be kept up to date on their rabies vaccines. Take advantage of these clinics where $10 per animal could save your life, your pets’ life or the life of anyone else.
Contact the Greenbrier County Health Department at 304-645-1539 if you see a suspect animal or if you have been bitten or scratched by an animal at large. If it is an emergency situation or If you need immediate assistance, you may call sheriff’s department at 304-647-7911 and tell them you need Animal Control dispatched. Officer Shortridge does have an office phone number at 304-645-9080 but is not always in the office. Leave a voicemail or try the other avenues.
