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NLIS 2 June 30, 2003 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Rabies vaccine bait drops completed The provincial government has completed its planned rabies vaccine bait drop program. The final bait drops took place on June 11 on the Baie Verte Peninsula, where approximately 77,000 baits have been distributed. As part of the effort to eradicate this disease, a total of 607,850 baits have been dropped on the west coast, Northern Peninsula and Baie Verte Peninsula since mid-March. Unless new cases of rabies arise and warrant further action, this phase of the eradication program is now completed. A supply of vaccine baits is being held in reserve in case additional baiting becomes necessary. Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney stated that the overall rabies eradication plan is proceeding well. "To date, we are pleased with the program. Over the summer we will focus on collecting and testing additional carcasses inside and outside of the baited area, as well as assessing the success of the bait program." Dr. Whitney also cautioned, "In those areas where rabies is common, summer tends to be a time when rabies is seen less often due to normal denning behaviour by foxes. The reporting of new cases usually increases again in the fall." An additional case of rabies has been confirmed dating back to February 17, when a fox was trapped near Jackson�s Arm as part of the province�s surveillance program. The animal was trapped in an area where the disease was already known to be present and did not involve any human contact. The total number of rabies cases now stands at 21. Additional information, including updated maps, can be found on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website at www.gov.nl.ca/agric or by contacting the following: Dr. Hugh Whitney Wayne Barney Media contact: Craig Renouf, Communications, Forest
Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 637-2923 2003 06 30 9:45 a.m. |
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