The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) undertook an oral rabies vaccine bait distribution flight on May 31 in response to a new fox rabies case (confirmation pending) in the Elora area.
Last week’s baiting flight was conducted by MNRF staff flying in a yellow EC130 helicopter at an altitude of about 500 feet above ground level. The target area covered 64 square kilometers and is largely rural.
Any built-up areas within the flight boundary were baited by hand by ground crews during the same period. Hand baiting will include all of Fergus which extends outside of the planned flight boundary.
The khaki-green coloured baits being distributed by the helicopter are made of wax with an attractant flavour. When raccoons, skunks or foxes eat the baits they will be vaccinated against rabies. A label with a toll-free telephone number (1-888-574-6656) and “Do not eat” are located on the exterior of the bait and a plastic package containing the liquid rabies vaccine is embedded in the centre.
If found, the bait should not be touched, but left for raccoons, skunks and foxes to consume.
For more information about rabies visit Ontario.ca/rabies or contact the MNRF at 1-888-574-6656.
