Niagara County will once again see the distribution of oral rabies vaccine bait in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 13 states.
Two types of oral rabies vaccine will be distributed. In the Buffalo-Niagara region of Western New York, 9,450 baits will be distributed using bait stations. Additionally, 23,850 baits will be distributed by vehicles, and 186,300 baits by helicopter through mid-June.
“During the baiting period, residents may see and hear low-flying aircraft over Niagara County and may observe local health department staff distributing green packets by hand and car around Niagara Falls neighborhoods,” said Scott Ecker, environmental health director.
Raccoons are vaccinated against rabies when they eat the wildlife rabies vaccine that is contained in the baits. The baits are about the size of a matchbox and are comprised of vegetable shortening, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil and flavoring. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from the bait. If you find any of the bait, leave it alone, unless they are found where children or pets play.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be spread to people and pets through bites or scratches of an infected animal (raccoons, skunks, bats, and other mammals). Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start. Rabies vaccine is a key tool in preventing spread of the disease.” explained Public Health Director Daniel J. Stapleton, who added, “Keeping your pets up to date on rabies vaccine is not only NYS law but one of the most important things you can do for your pets, yourself and your family to prevent rabies.”
Niagara County offers free rabies clinics five times a year. The next clinic is coming up on July 12 at the Town of Royalton Highway Garage. Registration is required for the rabies vaccination clinics, and registration opens the first business day of the week of the clinic. View the complete rabies clinic schedule at www.niagaracounty.gov/rabiesclinic.