The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services program will begin a spring distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits across Niagara County and Western New York.
The effort is part of a nationwide cooperative program to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States. While Wildlife Services typically conducts annual baiting in late summer, this spring distribution is intended to strengthen regional rabies prevention.
Baiting will occur through aerial distribution using helicopters and low-flying fixed-wing aircraft and ground baiting (by hand) in select areas. Distribution is weather-dependent and may be adjusted due to inclement conditions.
Helicopter operations are scheduled for Monday through May 10 and will distribute bait across the core urban areas of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Fixed-wing aircraft operations are scheduled for May 18 through 25 and will distribute bait across surrounding suburban and rural areas, operating from Jamestown.
Ground baiting will also take place in the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, with approximately 200 bait stations deployed in Niagara Falls.
Raccoons are vaccinated against rabies when they eat the wildlife rabies vaccine that is contained in the baits. “During the baiting period, residents may see and hear low-flying aircraft over Niagara County and may observe staff distributing green packets by hand or vehicle in Niagara Falls neighborhoods,” said Scott Ecker, environmental health director.
The baits are about the size of a matchbox and are comprised of vegetable shortening, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil and flavoring. The baits are not harmful to humans or pets; however, they should not be handled. If baits are found in areas where children or pets play, they may be moved using gloves or a plastic bag.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that can be spread to people and pets through bites or scratches from infected animals such as raccoons, skunks, and bats,” said Public Health Director Dr. Fauzia Khan. “Keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations is not only required by New York State law, but one of the most important steps residents can take to protect their families.”
The Niagara County Department of Health offers free rabies clinics five times a year. The next clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on June 6 at Hyde Park Centennial Pavilion, 911 Robbins Drive. Registration is required for rabies vaccination clinics, and opens on the first business day of the week of the clinic.
For a complete rabies clinic schedule, visit: www.niagaracounty.gov/rabiesclinic.