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NLIS 2 June 4, 2003 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Rabies vaccine baiting area extended to Baie Verte Peninsula The provincial government will be extending its rabies vaccine baiting program further onto the Baie Verte Peninsula this week. To date, baiting has taken place on the Northern Peninsula and parts of Western Newfoundland. Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods said, "There have been no cases of rabies reported from the Baie Verte Peninsula; however, with the recent confirmation of a rabid fox near Hampden Junction we feel it is wise to extend the area covered as far as our supply of baits permits as the fox in question was located just 20 kilometres inside our previously established bait zone." Wayne Barney, species management coordinator with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, added, "We have calculated the number of baits necessary to extend this zone while also ensuring a reserve supply is maintained in the event that any additional rabies cases are discovered near a community or on the edges of our baited zone." Mr. Barney said that the baiting program has been completed on the Northern Peninsula and Western Newfoundland, with half a million baits dropped on the ground. He added that the dedicated effort of everyone taking part in the rabies vaccine bait drop program will help tremendously in the effort to control the spread of rabies throughout the region. Baiting on the Baie Verte Peninsula is expected to start today, June 4, subject to weather conditions. For additional information, please contact: Dr. Hugh Whitney Wayne Barney Media contact:
2003 06 04 10:45 a.m. |
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