NYC To Vaccinate Raccoons Against Rabies Virus In 2 Boroughs

NEW YORK CITY — In an effort to curb the rabies virus, the New York City Health Department is vaccinating raccoons in two boroughs.

Oral rabies vaccine baits are being distributed in Brooklyn and Queens through the end of the month to immunize raccoons.

While ORV baiting is usually done in the fall, spring baiting is intended to minimize the spread of the virus among a growing number of rabid raccoons in previously affected areas of Queens and Brooklyn and new areas of southern Brooklyn. Additional baiting is planned for the fall, health officials said on Wednesday.

To date this year, 11 raccoons (6 from Queens, 2 from Brooklyn, and 3 from Staten Island) have tested positive for rabies in New York City. In addition, rabid raccoons continue to be identified in neighboring Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal. The NYC Health Department’s efforts to vaccinate raccoons against rabies will protect New Yorkers, their pets, and the City’s wildlife,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said. “New Yorkers can do their part by keeping their pets up to date on rabies vaccinations and maintaining distance from wildlife. If you see an animal you believe to be acting strangely, please call 311.”

The small, brown colored baits are fish-scented and resemble a ketchup packet which conceals a small amount of pink, liquid vaccine. Raccoons are attracted to the odor, and when raccoons chew the bait, they can become immunized, protecting them against rabies infection. The bait itself does not harm people, but in extremely rare instances, exposure to the liquid may cause a rash.

To protect yourself against rabies:

• Do not touch or feed wild animals or stray dogs or cats.
• Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers.
• Stay away from any animal that is behaving aggressively.
• Stay away from any wild animal that appears ill or acts unusually friendly. Call 311 to report a sick animal.
• Animals that have attacked, or appear likely to attack, should be reported to 911.
• Do not try to separate fighting animals.

To protect your pet against rabies:

• Keep pet vaccinations up to date.
• Keep your dog leashed while outdoors.
• Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended.
• If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact your veterinarian immediately and report the incident to 311.
• Feed pets indoors.