Stillwater, OK – Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA) will coordinate a 5K “Run for Rabies” on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. The OSU SCAVMA run will take place at 8 a.m. around Boomer Lake in Stillwater.

Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt and light breakfast. Runners are encouraged to run with their dogs, but must bring proof of their dog’s current vaccinations. Prizes will be awarded to the top runners and their dogs. There will also be a number of raffles and other exciting attractions at the event. Among this year’s race sponsors are: OSU’s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Eskimo Joe’s, Hills, Panera Bread, Purina, Royal Canin, Starbucks, and Stillwater Medical Center.

This race is designed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our animals against rabies. Rabies is the oldest and deadliest disease known to mankind, killing 55,000 people worldwide each year. Vaccination prior to possible exposure is a crucial part of health management of domestic animals and is the single most important factor in rabies prevention.

All proceeds from the run will be donated to the non-profit organization “Alliance for Rabies Control” (ARC). The ARC (www.rabiescontrol.net) was formed by leading rabies researchers and public health professionals from around the world, and works to raise global awareness about rabies, mobilize resources for rabies prevention programs in developing countries, and assist in education about rabies control and prevention. For more information, contact Alicia Davis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Center’s Veterinary Medial Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24 hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

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