Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine’s Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association is hosting a 5K run, low-cost vaccination clinic, and belly dancing event in support of the World Rabies Day organization.
The 5K race, held Sunday, Oct. 7, will wind throughout the UGA campus, starting and finishing at Stegeman Coliseum. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Alliance for Rabies Control, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of human rabies and eradication of rabies in dogs worldwide.
“Rabies impacts human as well as animal health and welfare,” said event organizer Alexandria Glover. “It is completely preventable through vaccination, yet at least 55,000 people-mostly in underdeveloped countries-die annually. Our hope is to raise awareness locally to support worldwide education efforts and help eradicate this deadly disease.”
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race, with the start at 9 a.m. Awards for top male and female overall winners will be given, as well as for masters and the top three male and female runners in each age group. Pre-registration by Oct. 1 is $15 or $20 after Oct. 1. Registration is $20 the day of the race. For more information, contact aglover@uga.edu.
Also in support of World Rabies Day, SCAVMA is sponsoring a low-cost vaccination clinic on Oct. 6 at Pet Supplies Plus at the corner of Baxter Street and Alps Road from 1-5 p.m. The cost is $1 for a one-year rabies shot for the first 500 vaccines and is sponsored by Merial, Purina and the Athens Area Humane Society. Proceeds will go to the AAHS to support rabies vaccination. For more information contact Beth Westeren at westeren@uga.edu.
Finally, a belly-dancing event with a Halloween theme, a Spooktacular Benefit, will be presented by veterinary student and local dance instructor Fatina on Oct. 20 at the 40 Watt Club, 285 W. Washington Street. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Door prizes will be given, as well as an award for best costume. All proceeds go to the Alliance for Rabies Control. To find out more, contact Fatina at fatina_dance@yahoo.com.
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians and doing research to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college enrolls 96 students each fall out of more than 500 who apply. It has more than 130 faculty members.
Through its hospital and diagnostic laboratories, the college benefitspets and their owners, food producing animals and wildlife. The laboratories safeguard public health through disease surveillance. Research conducted in the college improves the health and quality of life for companion animals and improves the productivity and health of poultry and livestock.
For more information about SCAVMA’s World Rabies Day events and to pre-register for the 5K race, visit www.vet.uga.edu/SCAVMA.