Announcement from the Floyd County, GA Emergency Management Agency:
Rabies bait drops have been ongoing this week and may continue for several days as federal wildlife protection services attempt to vaccinate raccoons and wildlife with edible bait.
During October, over 500,000 baits containing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) are being distributed across northwest Georgia, targeting raccoons and other wildlife. These baits will be distributed by low-flying airplanes and helicopters.
The ORV baits are small packets containing liquid vaccine and coated with an oily, fish-scented substance to attract raccoons. Each bait is marked with a toll-free number for people to call for information if they find a bait.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services program to distribute oral rabies vaccine is part of a nationwide effort to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States.
Anyone who finds a bait leave it alone to allow wildlife to find it. However, if a bait is intact and out in the open, it can be tossed deeper into the woods or brush where a wild animal is more likely to find it.
People should wear gloves or use a towel if it is necessary to handle baits and wash their hands afterward. Pet owners should not attempt to take baits away from their pets, as they may be bitten in the process and exposed to the vaccine.
Please contact the USDA at 1-866-487-3297 if you have any questions.
Comments