"The city's health department is distributing oral rabies vaccines this fall in raccoon-heavy areas of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan to curb the spread of the deadly virus among wildlife. Officials said 18 raccoons, one cat and one bat tested positive for rabies in New York City so far this year. The bait packets are small, brown and fish-scented. Inside is a pink liquid vaccine that immunizes the animals when they chew it."
"Officials said the baits don't pose a risk to people or pets, but the liquid inside could cause a rash if touched. If you do come into contact with the vaccine, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. If your dog or cat picks up the bait, health officials said don't try to snatch it away. It won't give them rabies, but it can cause vomiting if several baits are consumed, according to the city."
New York City health officials are distributing oral rabies vaccine baits in raccoon-heavy areas of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan this fall. Eighteen raccoons, one cat and one bat have tested positive for rabies in the city so far this year. The bait packets are small, brown and fish-scented and contain a pink liquid vaccine that immunizes animals when chewed. Baits are dropped in wooded parks and green spaces in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the parks department. Officials advise keeping pets up to date on rabies shots, avoiding wildlife, washing skin that contacts the vaccine, and calling 311 for erratic animals.
Read at Gothamist
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