County to Begin Rabies Baiting Program; Aim: Prevent Spread of Wildlife Rabies

CREST HAVEN – In response to an increase in animal rabies cases, Freeholder Jeffery Pierson announced Sept, 4 that the county Departments of Health and Mosquito Control will be working together to distribute 31,320 vaccine-laden baits throughout the mainland communities of Cape May County. 
According to a release, the majority of the baits will be distributed by helicopter and the remainder will be distributed by hand in raccoon habitats (such as storm drains) and other areas considered inaccessible from the air.
If weather permits, the baits will be distributed starting the week of Sept. 24, and be completed within one to two weeks.
Health Officer Kevin Thomas stated, “The bait will have a warning label and include a Cape May County Department of Health telephone number for inquiries and for people to call if contact with the bait occurs.”
“This vaccination program will help to reduce the number of animals with rabies such as raccoons, result in fewer encounters between rabid wildlife, pets, and people,” added Thomas.
The vaccine is not harmful to wild animals or pets. Although the exposure risk to humans is very slight, the following information is important:
Be aware of what bait looks like.
Encourage children to leave the baits alone.
Keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes at least five days after the local area has been baited.
Do not attempt to take bait away from a pet; they may bite.
Wash hands or exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water if the bait has been touched or the liquid vaccine inside the bait.
To ensure that animal rabies is controlled and that humans and pets are protected, pet owners must do their part by vaccinating their dogs and cats against rabies.
Additionally, humans should not approach wild animals – instead, call the local animal control officer for assistance.
Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and any animal bite should be taken seriously.
The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of animals that are infected with the virus. If bitten by an animal, wash the wound, seek medical attention immediately, and call the Cape May County Department of Health and the municipal animal control agency.
If exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the person must receive rabies shots as soon as possible to prevent the disease.
If a pet has contact with a wild animal, contact a veterinarian and the Department of Health right away.
Those with questions about the county’s wild animal rabies vaccination program, call the Health Department at 609-465-1209.
For information on animal rabies, go to the Environmental Division at http://www.cmchealth.net and to receive information on public health news and local events, “like” the Cape May County Department of Health on Facebook.