St. Lawrence county to Launch ⁢Oral Rabies Vaccine distribution

CANTON—The St.lawrence County Public Health Department has announced that the USDA‌ Wildlife Services will conduct an oral ‌rabies vaccine distribution next month.

Details of the​ Distribution Event

The aerial distribution of rabies vaccine baits is scheduled to take place across ‌St. Lawrence County from ⁣May 14 to May 16. this ⁢initiative is part of a broader national strategy by ‍the USDA aimed at curbing the westward spread ‌of rabies throughout the eastern United States.

Vaccine Bait Specifications

Approximately 165,600 oral rabies ⁢vaccine baits will be released in the st. Lawrence Valley region during this operation. Each bait,which resembles a small ketchup packet typically found in fast-food restaurants,contains⁤ a vaccine encased in a plastic pouch⁣ that has been coated with fish oil and sprinkled with fish-meal crumbles to attract wildlife.

Efficacy and Safety⁤ of the Vaccine

This particular vaccine has been proven safe ⁤for over 60⁢ different ​species‌ of​ mammals‌ and birds, ensuring broad protection for local wildlife populations.

Guidelines for Residents

• Please ‌do not disturb any vaccine⁣ packets you may encounter; most are ​consumed within ‌four days,and nearly all⁣ will be gone within a week.
• If ‌any packets remain uneaten, they will⁢ harmlessly dissolve over time, rendering the exposed vaccine inactive.

If you need to⁣ move a bait packet, it’s advisable to wear gloves or​ use a plastic bag or paper towel for handling. Dispose ‌of any damaged baits in your trash; intact⁣ ones should be placed into wooded ‌areas or other habitats frequented by raccoons and other wildlife.

Health Precautions Following Contact

• If⁣ you come into direct contact with either⁣ the vaccines or their packaging, wash your hands​ promptly and contact SLCPHD at (315) 386-2325 for further guidance.
• Please supervise children during outdoor activities throughout this bait ​distribution period and also one week afterward.
• Keeps pets indoors during this time ⁤frame while adhering⁢ strictly to leash laws; doing so increases vaccination rates among wildlife while reducing chances that pets might find these baits themselves.

The vaccines are not harmful to domestic animals; however, ⁤if an animal consumes ⁣multiple baits ‌at once,‍ it​ may experience vomiting as⁣ a side affect. Residents should avoid attempting to retrieve bait‌ from‌ their ⁢pet’s mouth if it poses any risk of being bitten during such‍ interactions.

Contact Information for Inquiries

If residents have questions or concerns regarding these vaccinations or encounter wildlife‍ interacting with bait packets, they can reach out directly to USDA at (315) 857-4311 for assistance.