CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Chautauqua County is taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of rabies.
The county is one of 15 in New York State where field evaluations of a new oral vaccine will occur. Air and hand distribution of baits is expected to happen in Chautauqua County between August 8 and August 23.
People who encounter these baits are asked to leave them alone. Should contact occur, people are told to immediately rinse the contact area with warm soap and water and to contact the Chautauqua County Environmental Health Unit at 716-753-4481. If your dog grabs one of these baits, officials say don't worry, the bait will not harm it.
So far this summer, the county has documented two incidents of rabid raccoon bites, one in the Town of Arkwright the other in the Town of Ripley. Both raccoons were killed at the time of the attack.
Rabies is considered a serious health concern. If left untreated it is invariably fatal.
