NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: NANCY NIEHUS, (440) 350-2543
April 29, 2011 LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
RACCOON RABIES VACCINATION SLATED TO BEGIN MAY 2, 2011
The Lake County General Health District will be participating in the spring oral rabies vaccination (ORV) to immunize raccoons against rabies. Bait containing vaccine will be distributed in raccoon habitat by marked vehicle and on foot. The pink vaccine is contained in a small plastic packet that is sealed in a 2x2 inch brown fishmeal block that appeals to raccoons. Residents should contact the Health District at (440) 350-2543 if they find bait and should not touch the bait with bare hands. Dogs are also attracted to the odor of the bait. Although it is not harmful to them, they should be prevented from eating it so it is available for the raccoons. Do not risk being bitten by attempting to remove the bait from a dog’s mouth.
The following communities will receive vaccine application in appropriate habitat this spring:
Concord Township (portions), Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Lakeline, Madison Village, Mentor, Mentor on the Lake, North Perry, Painesville City, Painesville Township (portions), Perry Village, Timberlake, Waite Hill, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills and Willowick.
The lakeshore will be baited via helicopter. Due to State budget cuts, the following communities that were previously baited by airplane will not receive a bait application this spring:
Leroy Township, Madison Township, and Perry Township
All Lake County communities will receive a bait application in late summer or early fall.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects animals and people. The variant of rabies associated with raccoons is of particular public health concern because it can affect other wild animals and pets. The virus is found in the saliva of affected animals (most often raccoons, skunks, and bats) and is spread by a bite or scratch. Routine rabies vaccination of pets, as well as avoiding contact with wildlife is the best protection against this deadly virus.
For more information about rabies or the ORV project, please visit www.lcghd.org or www.odh.ohio.gov.
###