Rabies Vacation Baits To Be Dispersed Across East Tennessee

Pet owners and property owners in some counties in East Tennessee are being warned about a program to help control rabies in the wildlife population. the USDA, Wildlife agencies and the Tennessee Department of Health will begin dropping rabies vaccination baits across East Tennessee this week. The rabies bait has a smell that attracts wild animals, and when they eat the bait, they are then vaccinated against rabies. The bait will be dropped via helicopters and airplanes, but also will be dispersed by ground vehicles. About 400,000 baits are being dropped in Tennessee, and Cocke and Greene counties as part of the program. The USDA says if you should come across the bait, just leave it alone. You will not get rabies from touching it, but you should immediately wash your hands. Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if not treated. It’s spread via a bite from an infected animal. According to data from the World Health Organization, about 59,000 people are killed each year around the world by rabies. However, according to the CDC, there are only about 10 deaths in the US each year.