posted September 26, 2008
Beginning today, packets containing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons will be dropped from low-flying airplanes in rural areas, and distributed by hand from road vehicles in urban and suburban areas along Tennessee’s borders with Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
The target area includes portions of Bradley, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington Counties.
The Tennessee Department of Health is participating in efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture to distribute vaccine.
Residents should not to be alarmed by the presence of low-flying aircraft in these areas while the baiting program is underway.
Rabies control is a vital function of the State Department of Health. Rabies is seen mostly in wild animals in Tennessee, and poses a risk to humans and pets as they come into contact with wildlife. Recent news reports of citizens’ encounters with raccoons provide examples of experiences that may put people and their pets at risk of rabies exposure. Residents are encouraged to enjoy raccoons and other wild animals at a distance, and avoid contact if possible to prevent the risk of rabies. Pet owners are also urged to keep their animals’ rabies
vaccination up to date.
The raccoon rabies vaccination effort employs vaccine packets placed in fishmeal blocks or coated with fishmeal. While these packets are safe if undamaged, they carry a strong odor. Individuals are advised to avoid
contact with the packets if possible.
If you find an undamaged vaccine
packet, use a towel or gloves to pick it up and toss it into a wooded or fencerow area.
For more information about this program, visit the TDOH Web site at
http://health.state.tn.us/Newsreleases/092508.htm, or call the
Department of Health at 615-741-7247.
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