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Early Wildlife Rabies Vaccine Drop Scheduled for Northwestern Vermont
https://www.healthvermont.gov/media/news-room/early-wildlife-rabies-vaccine-drop-scheduled-northwestern-vermontEarly Wildlife Rabies Vaccine Drop Scheduled for Northwestern Vermont
Distribution of rabies vaccine bait will begin May 4 to address increase in animal cases
WATERBURY, VT – For the second year in a row, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (USDA), in coordination with the Vermont Department of Health, will conduct a spring rabies vaccine bait drop. This special distribution of approximately 264,000 oral rabies vaccine bait in areas of Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties is scheduled to begin on May 4. Officials said the extra effort is needed to help counter an ongoing wildlife rabies outbreak, which has expanded into Franklin County.
The early distribution is in addition to the annual bait drop in August. In both rounds, rabies vaccine – in the form of a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive to raccoons and skunks – will be dropped from low-flying airplanes in rural areas, by helicopter in suburban areas, and placed by hand from slow-moving vehicles in residential areas.
[...]
"We’ve seen a significant increase of rabid animals in Chittenden County over the past several years,” said Dr. Natalie Kwit, state public health veterinarian with the Health Department. “The outbreak is now impacting Franklin County, where we haven’t seen many animals test positive for rabies. This bait drop will help prevent spread of rabies among wildlife, protecting people and domestic animals who may come into contact with them.”
The vaccine bait packs are not poisonous and are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife. If you find a bait pack, please don’t touch it unless necessary. Leave the bait undisturbed so it can be eaten by wildlife. If the bait must be moved, use gloves or a plastic bag. If your pet eats a bait, or if a child brings one home, let officials know by calling the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES (1-800-472-2437) or call the toll-free number printed on the bait.
[...]
Distribution of rabies vaccine bait will begin May 4 to address increase in animal cases
WATERBURY, VT – For the second year in a row, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (USDA), in coordination with the Vermont Department of Health, will conduct a spring rabies vaccine bait drop. This special distribution of approximately 264,000 oral rabies vaccine bait in areas of Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties is scheduled to begin on May 4. Officials said the extra effort is needed to help counter an ongoing wildlife rabies outbreak, which has expanded into Franklin County.
The early distribution is in addition to the annual bait drop in August. In both rounds, rabies vaccine – in the form of a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive to raccoons and skunks – will be dropped from low-flying airplanes in rural areas, by helicopter in suburban areas, and placed by hand from slow-moving vehicles in residential areas.
[...]
"We’ve seen a significant increase of rabid animals in Chittenden County over the past several years,” said Dr. Natalie Kwit, state public health veterinarian with the Health Department. “The outbreak is now impacting Franklin County, where we haven’t seen many animals test positive for rabies. This bait drop will help prevent spread of rabies among wildlife, protecting people and domestic animals who may come into contact with them.”
The vaccine bait packs are not poisonous and are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife. If you find a bait pack, please don’t touch it unless necessary. Leave the bait undisturbed so it can be eaten by wildlife. If the bait must be moved, use gloves or a plastic bag. If your pet eats a bait, or if a child brings one home, let officials know by calling the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES (1-800-472-2437) or call the toll-free number printed on the bait.
[...]