[Jacob-list] Rabies?

[LBBDVM at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/13/02 1:11:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
snielsen at orednet.org writes:


> but perhaps to any vet or agency that would suggest such
> a practice, and to those of us who might consider it. It sounds like a
> recipe for growing vaccine resistant rabies. Since no one can know what
> dosage is taken by wild animals consuming bait, I would hope the practice
> is rare.
> 

Wildlife vaccine programs using oral bait is currently being used in target 
areas of Pennsylvania, and has been widely (and successfully) used in Canada 
and several New England states for several years.  The PA program is a joint 
venture involving PA depts of Ag and Health, PA game commission, CDC, and 
USDA.  Areas that have used wildlife baits have seen a significant decrease 
in the number of wildlife cases and therefore human/domestic animal exposure. 
 

Antibiotic resistance among bacteria is a significant concern, as is parasite 
resistance to antiparasitics.  Rabies is caused by a virus and viruses do not 
develop resistance in the same way that bacteria or endo/ectoparasites do.

Animals that do not consume bait will not be protected.  Animals that consume 
bait will be vaccinated.  Consuming multiple baits is not a problem.  The 
baits are formulated to attract the wildlife species of concern.  In PA it is 
raccoons.  In other areas it may be skunks, foxes or whatever.  Baits are not 
harmful to non target species.

I cannot comment on specifics for other areas. In PA target areas are 
identified and the baits distrubuted in those areas by the Game Commission.  
More information is available from the PA Public Health Information Line 
1-877-PA HEALTH

Hope this helps,
Lia Belanger Book, DVM
Elizabethtown, PA
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