The distribution of oral rabies vaccine is extending into western New Brunswick this year in the hopes of curbing the spread of the deadly viral disease.
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet says the rabies is moving further north along the province’s border and they’re extending the baiting area into parts of York and Carleton counties. Last August and September more than 200,000 oral vaccines were distributed in the Charlotte County area.
There has only been one confirmed case of rabies so far this year and that was a raccoon in Elmsville in February. Last year there were 24 cases with all but one striped skunk being racoons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vast majority of cases reported to them occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
Minister Doucet suggests taking precautions to avoid coming into contact with rabies including staying a safe distance away from wildlife, securing compost bins and garbage, not leaving pet foot outside, and making sure any pets or domestic animals have their vaccinations up to date.
