09/19/2024
It's that time of year again for the Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait to be distributed in areas of Carter County, Washington County and other areas along the areas marked in the map for Tennessee, Virginia, North Caroling and West Virginia. In our area the bait drop should occur between October 4-21. I'm sorry for the long post but this is so important.
Rabies is a serious public health concern. While rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, it also is 100% preventable. Human exposures can be successfully remedied if medical attention is sought immediately following exposure. Costs associated with rabies detection, prevention and control may exceed $500 million annually in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife. In our area, raccoons in particular, but also foxes, and skunks are high risk animals for human and pet exposure.
Much work and money goes into protecting the public as well as our pets from wildlife rabies. It is equally important for pet owners to do their part. PLEASE PLEASE have your dogs and/or cats vaccinated against rabies. In this day of vaccine "fear", I promise you that NOT vaccinating against rabies is a much worse fear.
The oral vaccine is safe for many animals, including domestic dogs and cats. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits but should leave them undisturbed if they are encountered. Dogs that consume large numbers of baits may experience an upset stomach, but there are no long-term health risks. If adults or children come in contact with baits, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap.
For additional information concerning rabies or the ORV program, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies.
