Oral Rabies Drop To Begin Soon in Western New York

The Niagara County Department of Health is ramping up for another oral rabies vaccine drop, in an effort to stop the spread of rabies among the wildlife population.

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WGRZ reports the drop will begin on August 10.

The bait looks like a small green packet, and they will be distributed by hand, by fixed wing aircraft, and helicopter. The Niagara County Department of Health will begin the program with hand baiting, and airdrops will take place between August 10 and August 31. The air drop period is five days long, and the distribution window will be determined by weather.

“During the baiting period, residents may see and hear low-flying aircraft and observe program staff distributing green packets by hand and car around Niagara Falls neighborhoods,” said Paul Dicky, Niagara County Environmental Health Director.

If you see one of these baits, leave it where it is. If you find one on your property, and it's in an area where children or pets are likely to play, the Department of Health suggests wearing gloves and tossing it into a wooden area away from where kids and pets will be.

The baits are not harmful, but because of the smell, the Department of Health recommends using gloves to move one, and washing your hands thoroughly after.

Source: Oral Rabies Drop To Begin Soon in Western New York