First vaccine bait drops for Northern Peninsula

The first phase in the vaccination of wild animals against rabies starts this week on the Northern Peninsula.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney said a shipment of 80,000 vaccine baits has arrived in the province from Ontario. Helicopters will be in the air this week to drop the baits around St. Paul's, Jackson's Arm and across a southern boundary of the Northern Peninsula.

"Due to the unpredictability of weather, an exact date will only be known on short notice," said Dr. Whitney. "However all affected communities are being contacted in advance and posters are being provided to local residents to advise them of the event."

Public and animal health officials are reminding the general public that vaccine baits are not harmful to people or the environment; and if anyone finds a bait they should leave it where it is. Each bait has cautions printed on it and a 1-888 number to call if anyone has questions about the vaccine bait. Information can also be found on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods website at www.gov.nl.ca/agric (under Rabies).

For more information on the operational aspects of the province�s rabies eradication program, please contact Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney, Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729- 6879 or Wayne Barney, Species Management Program, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 637-2014.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-6183.

2003 03 10                                       12:50 p.m.