Swerd Media –
Douglas County Health Department Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits as Precautionary Measure
In response to a recent case of a kitten testing positive for a rare variant of rabies, the Douglas County Health Department has taken swift action to prevent the spread of the disease. Working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the health department has initiated the distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits across a 62 square mile area in the county.
The baits, roughly the size of ketchup packets, will be strategically thrown out in grassy areas, woods, along fence lines, and in landscaping. Covered in a fish meal attractant, these baits have proven to be successful in getting the vaccine into wildlife populations on the East Coast. Remarkably, this marks the first time this technique will be utilized in the state.
While the trapping and testing of raccoons in the original three-mile radius will continue, the distribution of oral baits will complement these efforts. It is important to note that the baits are harmless to both animals and humans. In fact, they have gained recognition for their effectiveness in wildlife vaccination campaigns. However, caution is still advised. If individuals come across a bait, it is recommended to handle it with gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to move it to a grassy area.
As of now, there have been no additional cases of rabies in animals reported since the discovery of the infected kitten. Nevertheless, the distribution of these oral rabies vaccine baits is considered a precautionary measure to minimize the risk of raccoon rabies spreading further within the area.
Residents are urged to pay attention to warning signs of rabies in animals, including aggression, stumbling, confusion, and drooling. Additionally, if any dead animals are discovered, it is crucial to report them to the local humane society.
The Douglas County Health Department emphasizes that the distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the transmission of rabies from wildlife to humans or domestic animals. For any questions or concerns regarding this initiative, individuals are encouraged to contact the health department directly.
As the distribution of these baits continues, the Douglas County Health Department remains committed to its mission of keeping the community safe and minimizing the potential risks associated with rabies.
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