By Bonita Wilborn
The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced that they will drop off Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) packets by plane in DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and Morgan counties sometime this week. The goal is to reduce raccoon rabies and prevent public health risks.
Drop-off zones are located, along with other parts of the state.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, the vaccine packets consist of a plastic pack containing the rabies vaccine and outer shell. The outer shell of the packet is coated with fishmeal or dog meal to attract raccoons. Raccoons are vaccinated by opening the packet with their teeth, which exposes their gums to vaccine.
While the vaccine packets are not harmful to humans or animals, some animals can experience disgestive issues and people could have skin reactions. So people are asked to avoid skin contact with the packets. If you are accidentally exposed, wash your hands. If you face a serious reaction, call the number on the packet to reach the state Public Health Veterinarian’s office.
The vaccine packets have been proven to be very safe by historical data collected from incidental exposures. ORV program benefits public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. It is all part of an annual USDA program.
For more information about federal ORV usage in Alabama, please contact the USDA at 1-866-4USDA-WS. For more information about rabies exposures, animal or human exposures to the ORV, please call ADPH at 1-800-338-8374.
North Jackson Press (NJP) is your trusted source for weekly hometown news, serving the vibrant communities of DeKalb and Jackson Counties in the heart of Alabama. We're here to bring you the latest stories, events, and happenings, all available conveniently both online and in print.
At NJP, we believe that community engagement is essential. We want to hear from you, our valued readers! Share your opinions, insights, and thoughts on our articles by adding a comment below each story. Your perspective matters, and your comments contribute to the rich tapestry of discussions in our community.
Together, we can foster meaningful conversations and build a stronger sense of community. Join us in shaping the narrative of DeKalb and Jackson Counties. Your voice is important, and we look forward to reading your comments. Let's make our community news a truly interactive experience!
Have a story idea or a topic you'd like to see covered? Feel free to suggest it in the comments or reach out to our dedicated team. We're here to serve you, and your feedback helps us tailor our content to your interests and needs.
