Canton, NY — Canton, NY — St. Lawrence County Public Health Department (SLCPHD) was notified that the USDA Wildlife Services will be completing a rabies vaccine distribution event by air in St. Lawrence County on May 14. Bait distribution in New York is part of a nationwide, cooperative effort by the USDA to prevent the spread of rabies, which is fatal for animals and humans.
The baits (pictured below) can resemble a fast-food ketchup package, a folded piece of paper, or a small box. Each includes a vaccine wrapped in a packet that is dipped in fish oil and/or coated with fishmeal to attract target wildlife. The vaccine has been proven safe when given to more than 60 species of mammals and birds.
Residents who come in contact with wildlife vaccine packets can call the USDA at (315) 857-4311 with questions or concerns.
- Do NOT disturb vaccine packets. Most packets are eaten within four days; almost all baits will be gone within a week.
- If packets are not eaten, they will harmlessly dissolve, and the exposed vaccine will become inactivated.
- If you must move a vaccine bait, wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick it up. Place any damaged baits in the trash; throw intact baits into a wooded area or other raccoon/wildlife habitat.
- Residents should WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY if they come into direct contact with the vaccine or baits, then call the USDA.
- Supervise children’s outdoor activities during bait distribution and for one week afterward.
- Monitor dogs and cats when outdoors during the bait distribution interval and for one week afterward. This will increase the likelihood of wildlife vaccination and decrease the likelihood that pets will find the baits.
- Baits and vaccines are not harmful to domestic animals. However, an animal may vomit if it consumes several baits.
- Residents should not risk being bitten while trying to remove bait from your pet’s mouth.
- If your pet eats a bait, avoid your pet’s saliva for 24 hours, and wash skin or wounds that may have been licked.
Always notify your medical provider or SLCPHD if you are bitten by a pet or a wild animal. Additionally, keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, and make sure your home is bat-proof. For more information: https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/RabiesControl
