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Post by Itrapny on Jul 25, 2007 20:19:39 GMT -5
Raccoons Running Rampant
From WGRZ in Buffalo, NY
This year, Erie County has recorded 12 cases of rabid raccoons. In Lancaster, residents are seeing raccoons during the day. Remember, raccoons are primarily nocturnal.
Many towns do not handle wildlife matters. They are referring residents to the DEC and SPCA Wildlife Division.
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Post by Itrapny on Jul 31, 2007 15:45:58 GMT -5
From WGRZ in Buffalo, NY....
Rabies Bait Drop Today
Created: 7/31/2007 6:32:54 AM Updated: 7/31/2007 6:40:10 AM
Hoping to take a bite out of the rabid raccoon problem, a helicopter will take to the skies today over parts of Erie and Niagara counties.
With the help of the Animal Health Diagnostic Lab at Cornell University, rabies vaccine-laden bait will be dropped over rural areas of the counties over the next three days. Another drop will take place on August 13th.
"It is important to stress that the baits are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife," said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Anthony Billittier. "If your dog picks up a bait, please do not risk getting bitten while attempting to remove the bait from the animal's mouth."
"It is also important to note that the bait will not attract raccoons to your property; raccoons that are already using the property will encounter the baits," added Billittier.
If you are exposed to the bait, or if your pet eats one or brings one home, you're asked to call 1-888-722-6725 to report it.
Results from previous drops show 65% of adult raccoons tested "took the bait", decreasing rabies cases significantly since the program got underway in 1995.
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