Media Advisory Upcoming Virtual Media Event: Discussion of Ongoing Response to Raccoon Rabies Case
Media Advisory
Upcoming Virtual Media Event:
Discussion of Ongoing Response to Raccoon Rabies Case
July 6, 2021 – Barnstable, MA | On Thursday, July 8 at 11:30am, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Wildlife Services and the Cape Cod & Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force (CCSMRTF) will be taking part in a virtual media event to discuss the state’s oral rabies vaccination (ORV) bait distribution program. The event is an opportunity for media representatives to interview experts on rabies and view the coated sachet baits that will be distributed across Cape Cod from July 12-23. To attend the event via Microsoft Teams, please follow the link below:
In May, the first raccoon-variant rabies case in over 8 years was documented in Hyannis on Cape Cod. In response, USDA implemented an emergency trap-vaccinate-release (TVR) campaign throughout the mid-Cape to prevent the disease from spreading. Close to 700 unique raccoons were live-captured, vaccinated against rabies, tagged, and released at the site of capture.
To further mitigate the potential for disease spread, the distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits on the Cape Cod will occur from July 12-23 in the towns of Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans. Approximately 69,900 ORV baits will be distributed Cape-wide; 57,000 will be distributed via helicopter and 12,900 will be distributed by hand (ground vehicles). Aerial operations will begin July 13 and will last for approximately 4 days, weather permitting. Two low-flying federally owned aircraft may be observed by the public during this timeframe. The aircraft will be either red and black or white and orange. Ground operations will be conducted by town, county, and federal employees as well as volunteers and will begin on July 12, continuing for up to two weeks.
The media’s assistance is requested to inform the public of the presence of the ORV baits and guidelines for action if encountered. People and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits but are asked to leave them undisturbed should they encounter them. If contact with an ORV bait occurs, immediately rinse the area with warm water and soap. In rare cases, dermal exposure to the vaccine inside the bait may cause a rash. This type of adverse reaction should be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Health at 617-983-6800. It is important to note that the baits are not toxic to pets but may cause an upset stomach if ingested due to the richness of the bait attractant.
As a reminder, the translocation of wildlife by the public is strictly prohibited. By not relocating wildlife, people help to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases to non-infected areas.
If you are unable to attend the media event, representatives from USDA and the CCSMRTF will be available remotely by phone or email to discuss the state’s ORV bait distribution program. Please email brian.bjorklund@usda.gov to schedule interviews.
In addition, the links below may be used in your publication, on your websites, and on social media sites.
The CCSMRTF Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodRabiesTaskForce/
The CCSMRTF Website: http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/cape-cod-rabies-task-force
USDA’s National Rabies Management Program Website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/programs/nrmp
Press Contact:
Brian Bjorklund, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture | (413) 537-9394 | brian.bjorklund@usda.gov