Rabies vaccination program under way

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September 3, 2008

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Wed Sep 03, 2008, 10:13 PM EDT

HARRISBURG — An annual program to control rabies in wild animals is under way in western Pennsylvania, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said.

The oral rabies vaccination baiting program covers all or parts of 14 counties, including Indiana, Westmoreland and Fayette.

The program has cut the number of reported cases by60 percent in the past five years, Wolff said.

Wildlife rabies accounts for more than 90 percent of the reported rabies cases in the U.S., with raccoons accounting for more than half of that total.

Though the primary focus is to vaccinate raccoons, other animals – including dogs, cats, cattle, horses, skunks and foxes – also may benefit because of reduced exposure to raccoons infected with the rabies virus.

Low-flying aircraft began dropping vaccine packets in sparsely populated areas on Saturday.

The vaccine sachet includes fishmeal bait. When the raccoon punctures the sealed package, the pink vaccine is released into its mouth.

The bait does not pose an immediate health risk to humans or pets. But anyone finding the bait should avoid handling it unless it is found where children or pets play.

Bait can be handled or disposed of with gloves.

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