Aug 6, 2002 3 min read

Beginning this week and continuing through the month, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in collaboration with other agencies, will conduct an oral rabies vaccination-baiting project in western Pennsylvania. And, according to Andrew C. Allison, D.O., director of emergency medical services at Monongahela Valley Hospital, area residents should be “keenly aware” of implications involving exposure to the baits.

“It’s imperative that people who live in the baiting areas know what to do if they or members of their families or their pets come in contact with the baits or wild animals,” Dr. Allison said. “Being aware of the precautions and/or steps to take if you come in contact with the bait can prevent serious consequences.”

Allison said the baiting will occur in – among other areas – the counties of Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland.

The vaccine to be distributed, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is Raboral-V, an oral rabies vaccine developed for wild raccoons.

This is a live virus vaccine containing recombinant vaccinia, placed in a heat-sealed plastic packet in the middle of the bait matrix.

The baits will be dropped in rural areas using helicopters and other aircraft.

In urban and suburban areas, they will be distributed by hand along roads into raccoon habitats.

Allison said raccoon rabies is a viral infection prevalent that can affect the nervous system of humans as well as animals.

“It can spread rapidly and infect large numbers of raccoons,” he said.

“It can spread to other wildlife or pets, and this makes human exposure a real concern. For this reason, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are participating in the combined federal and state agency program to keep this animal epidemic from spreading.”

Allison said that while the vaccine is not harmful to wild animals or pets and although exposure risk to humans is very light, it is important to:

– Be aware of what a bait looks like.

– Encourage children to leave the baits alone.

– Keep pets in the house or on leashes at least five days after your area has been baited.

– Do not attempt to take a bait away from your pet. You could be bitten.

– Wash your hands or exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water if contact is made with the bait or liquid vaccine inside the bait.

Allison said it is important to remember the Department of Health’s recommendations to protect yourself and your family.

– Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats.

Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious.

– Teach children to leave wildlife alone and be sure your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.

– Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats or ferrets against rabies and keep pet vaccinations up to date.

– Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard.

– Feed your pets indoors and never leave pet food outside as this can attract wildlife.

“Common sense is the best rule to follow,” Allison said.

“Call your family physician for advice if an animal bites or claws you or a family member. Don’t wait. Report the incident immediately.”

For more information, call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-887-PA-HEALTH.