Helicopters to Drop Rabies Baits in Cape May County

Cape May County is gearing up to distribute thousands of rabies vaccine baits by hand and by helicopter in early May. The program was started in the late 1990s, and the county remains the only one in the state that does it.

The Cape May County Department of Health is teaming up with the Mosquito Control Commission to distribute over 30,000 rabies vaccine baits. The goal is to inoculate animals such as skunks and mainly raccoons, which are the main carriers of rabies.

How the Bait Works

There is a lot of tourism in Cape May, especially campers, and the department wants to be sure the animals are inoculated.

The objective is for animals, mostly raccoons, to eat these vaccine-filled plastic pouches hidden inside fish meals and become vaccinated.

The bait-dropping process can be a difficult task depending on the weather, but it usually takes about two to four weeks.

The baits will mostly be dropped by hand and by helicopter in deeply wooded areas of Cape May County. The bait will have a warning label, which will include the phone number of the county health department in case people have questions.

Pet Owners Should Take Precautions

Pet owners should keep dogs and cats indoors or on leashes for at least five days after baits are distributed nearby. Anyone who touches bait or the liquid vaccine inside the bait should wash their hands and any exposed skin with soap and water.

The health department warns pet owners not to attempt to remove baits from their pets because of the risk of being bitten. Instead, officials recommend vaccinating cats and dogs against rabies as a safety measure.

Pet owners whose animals have contact with wild animals should contact their veterinarian and the health department right away. The health department advises residents not to approach wild animals and to call their local animal control officer for assistance.

Rabies Can Be Fatal In Humans.

Officials urge anyone bitten by an animal to wash the wound and seek medical attention immediately.

Anyone exposed to a rabid animal or any animal suspected of being rabid must receive rabies vaccination as soon as possible to prevent rabies. People who are bitten should contact the Cape May County Department of Health and their municipal animal control agency.

For more information about animal rabies and the county’s vaccination program, call the health department at 609-465-1209.