Rabies Bait Really Works, Cost Fixed for Three Years

CREST HAVEN – Say “bait” in watery parts of Cape May County and images that come to mind include minnows, squid, mussels and bloodworms. When Acting Purchasing Agent Kevin Lare spoke to freeholders March 24 the resolution he identified was for rabies vaccine bait for wildlife.
The contract, approved on behalf of the county Health Department later in the meeting, went to Merial, Inc. of Duluth, Ga. for $1.46 per bait.
Lare said for the last two years those rabies baits had been made with an emergency purchase. The new contract provides a one-year contract with two additional one-year options at the fixed price.
Lare cited a health department official who attended the March 18 meeting of the state’s regional epidemiology program as part of its communicable disease briefing.
“The state brought up that the southern counties had the highest number of animal rabies in New Jersey with 126 cases reported in 2014. In the southern regional counties out of 126 positive (rabies) cases, Cape May County had the lowest with four,” Lare said.
“One of the state staff presenters mentioned that the Cape May County Health Department drops vaccinated baits throughout the county, and suggested that the other counties that follow our best practice,” he said.
Freeholder Kristine Gabor, who oversees the Health Department, quipped, “You just gave my report.”
The oral rabies baiting has usually taken place during spring, April or May.
In 2014, the county distributed 34,560 baits, over 137,519 acres, with 33,560 dropped by air and 1,000 hand placed.
Signs were posted on utility poles, about a mile apart, to alert residents that the baits had been distributed to their neighborhoods.
According to a 2013 county release, “Raccoon rabies is found throughout the United States. It is a viral infection that can affect the nervous system of any mammal, including humans. The disease is almost always fatal to both people and animals. Raccoon rabies spreads rapidly and infects large numbers of raccoons. The disease often spreads to other wildlife and pets, making human exposure a real concern.
“The oral rabies vaccine bait consists of a square block made from a compressed mixture of fishmeal and fish oil known to attract raccoons. The vaccine (dyed pink) is inside a plastic packet that is inserted in the middle of the block.
“Baits are distributed from vehicles or airplanes. Most of the baits will be consumed about five days after being distributed. People should tell their children to leave the baits alone. Pet owners are asked to keep their dogs and cats inside or on leashes so raccoons can eat the baits.
“It is not harmful to touch intact bait, but the fish oil and odor on the bait may get on fingers. Anyone who finds stray bait should pick it up using rubber or latex gloves or a shovel to protect their hands. If the bait is intact, toss it into a nearby ditch, wooded area or other raccoon habitat. If it is partially eaten or damaged, place the bait in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.
“If you touch an intact bait or the liquid vaccine inside, immediately wash your hands and any other exposed area of skin with soap and water. In the unlikely event a blister-like rash should develop, please contact your family doctor.
“It is not harmful if your pet consumes a small quantity of baits. Because additional baits may have been dropped nearby, check the area for more. Any other bait can be removed and placed in areas more likely to be found by a raccoon than a pet.
“Encourage children to leave the baits alone.
“Keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes at least five days after your area has been baited.
“Do not attempt to take 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.”