Achi news desk-
After a raccoon rampage was reported in Vermont, 10 kilometers from the Quebec border, the provincial environmental office will distribute vaccine bait in 17 municipalities in the eastern towns and in Monterrey.
Crews will place the 46,200 vaccine baits in 17 municipalities from April 22 to 30, covering approximately 660 square kilometers to limit the risk of raccoon rabies returning to Quebec.
“It will vaccinate raccoons, skunks and foxes against raccoon rabies and help protect human health,” the ministry said in a press release. “Forest areas, riverbanks, the periphery of agricultural fields and spaces near garbage cans will be particularly targeted.”
The baits will be placed in the municipalities indicated on this map.
The ministry said the weather-resistant bait resembles a greenish ketchup packet and emits a sweet smell to attract target species.
If identified, residents are urged to avoid handling the bait, even though it is safe for humans and pets and the environment, according to the office.
“It cannot under any circumstances transmit rabies,” the office said.
Although it’s safe, the office said to wash off any part of your body that touches a broken vaccine bait and call Info-Sante at 811.
Pets that eat the bait are not considered vaccinated.
The office recommends the following tips to prevent rabies:
- If bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and call 811.
- Do not approach unknown wild animals or pets.
- Do not touch animal carcasses with bare hands.
- Take steps to avoid attracting wildlife to your property, such as keeping outdoor trash cans out of reach and pet food indoors.
- Do not transfer nuisance or orphaned animals.
- Get your pets vaccinated against rabies.
- Report raccoons, skunks and foxes or animals that appear confused, injured, unusually aggressive or paralyzed. Call 1-877-346-6763.
