Program Underway To Reduce Spread Of Rabies Happening Countywide

MAYVILLE – A program to help reduce the spread of rabies in raccoons is underway in Chautauqua County.

The Department of Health and Human Services says the effort is part of the ongoing project to reduce the presence of the rabies virus in wildlife in New York State.

Ongoing field evaluation of an oral rabies vaccine called ONRAB will be taking place countywide later this month.

Depending on weather and other scheduling factors, distribution of baits in the county is expected to happen from August 18 to 20.  The baits will be dropped in the northern area of Chautauqua County by a low flying airplane.

While the baits are not harmful to humans or pets, if human contact with bait occurs, health experts say to immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap. If dogs contact the bait do not attempt to remove bait from your dog’s mouth, it will not harm the dog if ingested.