Planes and helicopters to drop rabies vaccine over Erie County

Erie County will take part in a nationally coordinated effort to cut back dangers for rabies in wildlife in August. As in previous summers, aerial distribution of bait containing rabies vaccine will happen in Erie County from August 13 via August 23.  [Schedule dependent on weather.] Ground bait distribution will start on August 16.

90% of reported rabies circumstances within the United States are in wildlife, making it essential to cut back dangers of publicity, an infection and loss of life in animals via the usage of an oral vaccine.  

“Our vector control team on the ground and pilots in the sky will distribute thousands of vaccine packets this month. Each of these green bait pieces is the size of a quarter coin, and they will be eaten by raccoons, foxes and coyotes,” mentioned Deputy Director of Environmental Health Peter Tripi, who manages the county’s Vector Control Program. “This protection for wildlife will reduce risk of rabies transmission if those wild animals come into contact with people or pets.” 

“By protecting our wildlife population we are also reducing risks of rabies exposure in domestic animals, livestock and humans,” mentioned Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “This is another reminder that preventing rabies requires constant vigilance. Pet owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs, cats and ferrets up to date on their rabies vaccines.” 

She continued, “Later this week our department will announce the dates and locations for free rabies vaccine drive-through clinics in September, a chance to get your pets vaccinated at no cost.” 

• Do NOT disturb vaccine packets. Most packets are eaten inside 4 days; virtually all baits can be gone inside per week. If packets aren’t discovered and eaten, they are going to harmlessly dissolve and uncovered vaccine will turn into inactivated. If you need to transfer a vaccine packet, put on gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to select it up. Place any broken baits within the trash; throw intact baits right into a wooded space or different raccoon/wildlife habitat. 

• Residents ought to WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY if they arrive into direct contact with the vaccine or packets, then name the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line at (888) 574-6656. 

Additional suggestions embody: 

• Supervise youngsters’s outside actions throughout bait distribution and for one week afterward (via the tip of August). 

• Confine canine and cats indoors and observe leash legal guidelines throughout the bait distribution interval and for one week afterward. This will improve the chance of raccoon vaccination and reduce the prospect of pets discovering the baits. 

• Residents shouldn’t threat being bitten whereas making an attempt to take away bait out of your pet’s mouth. The bait is not going to hurt your pet, although an animal could vomit if it consumes a number of baits. Contact a veterinarian in case your pet has consumed vaccine baits.