County, USDA to distribute rabies vaccine for raccoons

The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute rabies vaccine baits beginning Friday. Fishmeal blocks containing vials of rabies vaccine will be dropped from helicopters in the county's rural areas. Baits will be distributed by hand in populated areas.

Raccoon vaccination is the program's focus. Public Health officials say baits should not be disturbed, and if they must be moved, gloves should be worn. Baits that are broken and leaking pink liquid should be thrown in the trash, as they are no longer effective.

Public Health officials say anyone who suspects they have been exposed to the vaccine should call Merial, the vaccine manufacturer, at 1 (877) 722-6725.

More information can be found online at www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/oral_rabies/, or by calling USDA Wildlife Services at 1 (866) 487-3297.