Though it's not officially summer yet, we have already seen a few signs of the season. Thunderstorms have hit the area; baseball-camp families are getting settled in; and the first local confirmed case of rabies has been reported.
During the summer, when people and their pets are spending more time outside, it's important that we are cautious in our interactions with wild animals and protect our pets from infection.
In late May, a rabid raccoon was killed in the town of Springfield and turned over to the Otsego County Department of Health. Health department officials praised the family who turned over the animal, saying members responded appropriately by staying indoors until the animal could be killed, and by contacting officials so that the animal could be tested for rabies.
Rabies carries a double threat. First, it causes wild animals to act aggressively in situations where they might normally run away from humans, increasing the likelihood the animal might bite a pet or a human.
Second, rabies is a fatal infection, making it important to avoid contact with any animal that might be rabid.
While doctors can treat people who may have been infected with rabies, "there is no post-exposure treatment for unvaccinated animals," according to the Otsego County Department of Health's website.
The best way to fight the spread of rabies is to keep our pets up-to-date with rabies vaccinations. Throughout the summer, rabies vaccination clinics will be held throughout the local area, offering this potentially life-saving treatment to cats, dogs and ferrets at no cost to pet owners.
Watch The Daily Star for clinic dates, or call your local health department. Not only is it good sense to make sure your pet has its necessary vaccine, it's also the law.
Finally, digital TV
Mark today, June 12, 2009, on your calendars. It's the day the analog television signals finally died.
It's been a long, two-year process. The signals were supposed to be shut down Feb. 17, but because so many customers weren't prepared, the deadline was extended until today.
The analog airwaves are now available as wireless communications networks for public safety officials and for cellular companies to offer new services.
We supported the deadline extension, but we're glad the jump into the digital TV age is complete.
And for those of you whose televisions are dark, converter boxes are still available. For more information, visit www.dtv2009.gov.
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