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Oral Rabies Vaccination Bait Drop Scheduled to Begin
August 11 in Lewis County
Published: July 28, 2022 at
01:00 p.m.
By: Media Release from Lewis County Public Health
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Public Health
P: 315-376-5453 | F: 315-376-7013
Ashley Waite, RN,
BSN, MPH
Director
ashleywaite@lewiscounty.ny.gov
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Date: 7/28/2022
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact:
315-376-5453
Rabies Bait Drop
Lewis County
Public Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health
that a rabies bait drop will occur in several Lewis County townships
beginning August 11th through approximately August 14th,
weather dependent. The United States
Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services (USDA-WS) will be distributing
oral rabies vaccination (ORV) baits to target raccoons, skunks, and other
wildlife to help stop further spread of rabies. The baits will be dropped from
low-flying, fixed-wing airplanes over the Black River Valley. Additionally, ground baiting via car will
occur in the Village of Lowville during the week prior to the bait drop.
ORV baits are
about the size of a single-serving condiment packet, are dyed green, and
are coated with a sweet substance to attract raccoons and other
wildlife. It is recommended that
anyone who finds a bait leave it alone, or if it is intact and out in the
open, they can toss it deeper into the woods or brush where a wild animal
is more likely to find it. People
should wear gloves or use a towel if it is necessary to handle baits and
wash their hands afterward. Pet
owners should not attempt to take baits away from their pets, as they may
be bitten in the process and exposed to the vaccine. Although baits are not harmful to pets,
ingestion of a large number of baits may cause temporary stomach upset. Anyone who
comes in contact with the liquid vaccine contained
within the bait should wash their hands immediately and contact Lewis
County Public Health at 315-376-5453 for further guidance.
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