Oral rabies vaccine airdrop for wildlife populations will begin in early August – North Country Now

CANTON St. Lawrence County is preparing for its annual oral rabies vaccine (ORV) distribution, an essential initiative. ORV baits will be distributed by air throughout St. Lawrence County from August 2 through August 6.

Bait distribution in New York is part of a nationwide, cooperative effort by USDA to prevent the westward spread of rabies in the eastern US. This will distribute approximately 622,800 oral rabies vaccine bait in the St. Lawrence Valley Region.

The bait resembles a fast-food ketchup package, includes a vaccine wrapped in a plastic packet that is dipped in fish oil and coated with fish-meal crumbles 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.

For more information, call the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department at (315) 386-2325.

Always notify your medical provider or SLCPHD if you are bitten by a pet or a wild animal. Additionally, keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, and make sure your home is bat proof.

SLCPHD will be hosting free rabies vaccination clinics throughout the remainder of the year.

The clinic dates and locations are listed at

https://stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/RabiesControl.

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Oral rabies vaccine airdrop for wildlife populations will begin in early August - North Country Now