A rabies prevention campaign kicks off next week in Chautauqua County where various baits vaccinating wild animals against the virus will be deployed.

The strategy, overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is part of a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states.

Ongoing field evaluation of a new Oral Rabies Vaccine called ONRAB will take place starting Tuesday with aerial distribution of baits.

Depending on weather, and other scheduling factors, distribution in Chautauqua County will continue through Friday, Aug. 18. The baits will be dropped in northern areas of the county, including the Village of Brocton and the Towns of Portland, Arkwright, and Villenova.

“Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait. However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave them undisturbed,” explained Jessica Wuerstle, Chautauqua County’s Director of Environmental Health. “Should contact with a bait occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap. Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm your pet.”

The bait consists of a Polyvinyl Chloride blister pack, containing the vaccine. To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor and dark-green food-grade dye.

It is not uncommon for animals infected with rabies to become aggressive and attack with no provocation. On the other hand, other rabid animals may appear tame or docile. Well-meaning animal lovers may be tempted to catch and help the animals.

Visit the USDA website at www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-damage/rabies for a link to a current map of the bait drop area and to learn more about the National Rabies Management Program.

If you have additional questions about the program please contact USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-4USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297).

Chautauqua County’s Environmental Health Unit can be contacted at (716) 753-4481 with County specific questions.