|
Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop Scheduled for August 2nd-8th
for Portion of Lewis County
Published: July 22, 2024 at
07:30 p.m.
By: Notice from Lewis County Public Health
 
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 2nd
through approximately August 8th, 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 and near the county line by Carthage and
West Carthage.
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, it can be tossed 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. Any pets that become ill from bait
consumption should be evaluated by a veterinarian. 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.
|
