Erie County To Airdrop Rabies Vaccine…Here’s What You Should Know

According to WGRZ news reports, during the next two weeks, there will be helicopters dropping small packets of vaccine from the sky that may end up in your yard.  The packets are helpful in that they are vaccines against rabies, but you need to know what to do if you find a packet.

What should you do if you find a rabies vaccine packet, according to WGRZ News?

• It's unlikely that the baits will last long in your yard: most are eaten within four days, and almost all are one within a week.

• Do not touch or move the baits. If you have to, use gloves, or a plastic bag to pick it up and throw it into the woods. If it's damaged throw it out.

• Wash your hands right away if you end up touching one of the baits or the vaccine, and then you must call the New York State Department of Health Rabies Information Line at 1-888-574-6656.

• While the vaccine drops are happening and for about a week after they end, watch your children outside. Also, keep your pets inside or on a leash to help prevent them from disturbing or ingesting the baits.

• If your pet tries to eat one, don't try to remove it. It's not worth risking getting bit or being exposed to the bait.

• The baits and the vaccine are not harmful to domestic pets, but you don't want your pet to eat several of them either. Eating multiple baits could cause them to vomit.