St. Lawrence County Public Health to conduct rabies drop

St. Lawrence County Public Health Department (SLCPHD) was notified the USDA Wildlife Services will be completing a rabies vaccine distribution event by air in St. Lawrence County on July 31.

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 distribution comes as the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory has confirmed a raccoon from the Oswegatchie area has tested positive for rabies. The animal was submitted for testing by the USDA and is the ninth animal to test positive for rabies in St. Lawrence County this year.

The baits 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 NYSDOH Rabies Information Line (888) 574-6656 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 wild animal. Residents are also reminded to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccinations and ensure their homes are bat-proof.

For more information, visit: https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/RabiesControl