News Release                         For Immediate Release

August 16, 2004

Aerial Rabies Baiting in Grey Bruce August 16-18

To protect the people of Ontario against rabies, the province has started its annual wildlife rabies control operations for 2004. The Ministry of Natural Resources will drop aerial vaccine baits from August 16 to August 18 in Grey-Bruce at a density of 20 baits per square kilometer along flight lines spaced at two kilometers apart.

The baits vaccinate foxes. The air dropped vaccine baits are small, khaki green cubes made of fat and wax. A toll-free information number and the words 'DO NOT EAT' appear on each bait. You should not touch the baits. If you do touch the vaccine inside the bait, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room of your local hospital.

Keep dogs close to home on a leash and look for baits in the area where you keep your pet and/or livestock for two weeks following the first day of aerial baiting in your area. If your pet or livestock eats a bait there is no need for concern. They may experience some stomach upset due to the fat and wax compound surrounding the vaccine pack. If they have eaten multiple baits, consult a veterinarian. Your pet or livestock’s consumption of bait doesn’t replace the regular vaccination by a veterinarian. If you find a bait please call the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-888-574-6656.

For further information on rabies prevention and control operations visit the Rabies in Ontario website at http://rabies.mnr.gov.on.ca or call the Ministry of Natural Resources rabies hotline at 1-888-574-6656. You may also contact the Public Health Unit at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.

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For more information:

Chris Munn

Manager, Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 223

Jim Paton

Director of Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 263