Oral Rabies Vaccination Program in the Eastern United States
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system in mammals. It is almost always transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Wildlife account for more than 90 percent of all reported rabies cases each year in the United States. Raccoons, bats, and skunks are responsible for most of those cases, but foxes and coyotes can also spread the disease. Vaccinating Wildlife for Rabies Effective vaccines are available to prevent rabies in wildlife. Every year, we distribute more than 8 million oral rabies vaccine baits in a vaccination zone that includes 16 Eastern States from Maine to Alabama. This work prevents the westward and northward spread of the virus variant that causes raccoon rabies. We work with States to monitor uninfected areas near the vaccination zone. If we find a positive case, we act quickly to contain it. This may include enhanced rabies surveillance, live-trapping and hand-va...
Comments
Post a Comment