RABIES VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

VACCINE TO REDUCE RABIES IN WILDLIFE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED

IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS from April 25-May2:

YARMOUTH, DENNIS, BREWSTER, HARWICH, CHATHAM, ORLEANS,

EASTHAM, WELLFLEET, TRURO, PROVINCETOWN

If you find a vaccine/bait package:

· USE A GLOVE OR A TOWEL TO PICK IT UP. Throw it into the woods where children and pets will not find it. If no suitable place is available, dispose of the bait in the trash.

· Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the vaccine/bait package.

· Please call Tufts at (508) 839-7918 to report finding a bait.

· If your pet has eaten or had contact with a bait, it is not harmful to them, but please report the contact to: Dr. Janet Martin (774) 230-2210, or Dr. Alison Robbins (617) 633-9082, both (508) 887-4761 (voicemail) or (508) 839-7918 (main).

· If you or another person have had contact with the liquid vaccine, wash the area thoroughly and call the Department of Public Health at (617) 983-6800.

Rabies is present in wildlife in all areas of Cape Cod - Do not handle wildlife, report it to your local animal control.

Make sure your cats, dogs and other pets are currently vaccinated against rabies - make that appointment today!

For more information on the Massachusetts Wildlife Rabies Vaccination Program at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine call (508) 887-4761, Stop by your Town Board of Health or see the following web sites:

www.tufts.edu/vet/wildlife/orv.html

www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/rabies/rabies http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/rabies/

Two configurations of vaccine will be distributed: A sachet and a bait block. Both contain the same amount of vaccine.