The province will be distributing capsules containing rabies vaccine bait in woods, parks and green spaces in western New Brunswick this summer.
It’s all in an effort to prevent and control the disease, which is spread through wild animals such as raccoons, skunks and foxes.
“We continue to work to prevent and control the spread of rabies in our province,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Ross Wetmore in a release.
“While the effort we have made in recent years has been successful, we must remain vigilant to help prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease.”
According to the province, no cases of raccoon-variant rabies have been detected in New Brunswick since late July of 2017, but rabies continues to occur close to the border with Maine.
The distribution effort will take place from now until August 9th in St. Stephen, Saint Andrews, St. George, Blacks Harbour, Campobello Island, McAdam, Woodstock and Centreville, as well as on the Woodstock First Nation lands.
Bait won’t be handed out in Saint John or Fredericton this summer, as it was distributed earlier in the year.
An aerial campaign will take place August 11th to 17th.
The province says the capsules vaccinate wildlife after they eat it.
While it’s not harmful to people, pets, livestock or the environment, you are still urged to protect yourself and your animals by keeping a safe distance away from wildlife, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date.
If you or your animal has been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, seek medical attention right away, and report the case to 8-1-1.
More information on rabies, including a surveillance map of confirmed cases, is available online.
