COURT HOUSE – County Commissioner Jeffery Pierson announced June 29 that the departments of Health and Mosquito Control will be working together to distribute 32,000 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 remaining 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 end of June and be completed within one to two weeks.
Cape May County Health Officer Kevin Thomas informed residents that, “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, and result in fewer encounters between rabid wildlife, pets, and people.”
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 an area has been baited
· Do not attempt to take the bait away from your pet; you may be bitten
· Wash your hands or exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water if you touch the bait or the liquid vaccine inside the bait.
To ensure that animal rabies is controlled and that people and pets are protected, pet owners must do their part by vaccinating their dogs and cats against rabies. Additionally, people should not approach wild animals themselves – 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.
Those bitten by an animal should wash the wound, seek medical attention immediately, and call the Cape May County Department of Health and a municipal animal control agency. Those exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal must receive rabies shots as soon as possible to prevent the disease. If a pet has contact with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and the Department of Health right away.
Those with questions about the county’s wild animal rabies vaccination program can call the Health Department, at 609-465-1209. For more information on animal rabies, go to the Environmental Division, at www.cmchealth.net, and to receive information on public health news and local events, “like” the Cape May County Department of Health on Facebook.
