Chautauqua County will be participating in a national and New York State effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states.
The county Department of Health and Human Services said an oral rabies vaccine known as ONRAB will be distributed across northern Chautauqua Aug. 18-20 by a low-flying airplane in the village of Brocton, the towns of Portland, Arkwright and Villenova, plus into adjoining areas of Erie and Cattaraugus Counties.
The ONRAB will be encased in a PVC blister pack and coated to attract raccoons. Humans should leave the packs undisturbed and keep their pets away from them. They will not harm people if touched, or dogs if they are ingested.
If there is any human contact with the vaccine bait, people should wash their hands with soap and warm water.
Residents are also encouraged to be mindful of wildlife and leave wild animals alone if they are encountered.
