A Dozen Confirmed Rabies Cases in Jefferson County Communities

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Due to as many as 12 recent confirmed animal rabies cases in the communities of Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills, the Jefferson County Department of Health has partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services to complete an Oral Rabies Vaccination Project in these communities. The purpose of the ORV Project is to vaccinate raccoons, foxes and coyotes in the wild and help stop further spread of rabies.

The JCDH is distributing the oral rabies vaccination bait throughout these communities. The ORV baits are about the size of a matchbox and are coated with fishmeal flavoring. They will be distributed between March 20 and 23.

The health department has issued warnings regarding these baits. A statement from officials says if you find ORV baits, leave them alone, unless they are where children or pets play. To move ORV baits safely, you should:

• Wear gloves or use a paper towel or plastic bag when picking up the baits.

• Toss intact baits into a wooded area.

• Bag and dispose of any damaged baits in the trash.

• Take precautions by practicing proper hygiene – wash with soap and water any skin or wounds that may have come into contact with ORV baits, especially if the bait was damaged.

If a pet eats the bait, JCDH officials say there are steps to be taken to help:

• Don’t panic. A few baits are not harmful, though eating a large number may cause an upset stomach.

• Do not risk getting bitten or being exposed to the vaccine by taking a bait away from your pet.

• Check the area for more baits and relocate any remaining baits to a wooded area.

• If your pet eats a bait, avoid your pet’s saliva for 24 hours, and wash skin or wounds that may have been licked.

Photo from Jefferson County Department of Health