Animal Control

Wildlife Vaccine Drop Planned for early August to Prevent Spread of Rabies

Distribution of rabies vaccine bait will address increase in animal cases

WATERBURY, VT – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, in coordination with the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, will conduct an annual rabies vaccine bait drop beginning Aug. 1 to help combat rising rabies rates in wildlife.

The August rabies bait distribution will deliver approximately 762,000 rabies vaccine bait in areas of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington Counties. The vaccine – in the form of a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive for raccoons and skunks to eat – will be dropped from low-flying airplanes in rural areas, by helicopter in suburban areas, and placed on foot and by hand from slow-moving vehicles in residential areas.

Officials say that the bait drops, now done twice a year, help slow the spread of the rabies virus among wildlife, but that it takes time for enough animals to become immune. So far this year, 32 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, 20 of which were raccoons. In 2024, 66 animals were rabid, which was a 74% increase from 2023 and a 69% increase from the 15-year average of 39 rabies cases reported annually in Vermont since 2010.

“Rabies cases have been rising in Vermont in recent years, and this year is no exception,” said Natalie Kwit, DVM, state public health veterinarian with the Health Department. “Over time, the increased frequency and scope of these bait drops will help protect people and domestic animals who may come into contact with wildlife.”

Without treatment, rabies is fatal to both humans and animals. The virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected animal. In Vermont, rabies is most often detected in raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats and woodchucks. Pets and livestock can also get the disease, especially if they have not been vaccinated for rabies.

The vaccine bait packs are not poisonous and are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife. When an animal bites into the bait, vaccine releases into their mouth and they develop immunity from rabies. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait, but are asked to leave the bait undisturbed if they encounter it. If contact with bait occurs, the contact area should be immediately washed with warm water and soap.

Rabies Bate Image

Rabies Bait Image

Each bait carries a toll-free number that people can call if they have additional questions concerning bait contact. If your pet or a child brings one home, let officials know by calling the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES (1-800-472-2437) or call the toll-free number printed on the bait.

Follow these guidelines to keep your family, pets and livestock safe:

• If you see a sick or strange-behaving wild or stray animal, or if you are concerned about a rabies exposure, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline (1-800-4-RABIES).
• If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound well with soap and water and contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
• If your pet or farm animal was bitten by a wild or stray animal, contact your veterinarian. State law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies — even barn cats. Rabies is rare in vaccinated animals.
• Always feed pets inside the house and keep them indoors at night. If they are outdoors during the day, keep them on a leash or in an enclosed space. Pets that roam free are more likely to be exposed to rabies.
• Do not touch or pick up wild or stray animals – even young animals – or try to make them into pets. You can’t tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it.

For more information, including a list of towns where the bait drop will take place, see our Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop Fact Sheet.

Learn more about rabies in Vermont at HealthVermont.gov/Rabies.

SPRING REMINDER

• NOT EVERYONE LOVES DOGS & SOME PEOPLE ARE SCARED OF THEM
• EVERYONE DESERVES TO BIKE, WALK, RUN, DRIVE BY YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT FEAR OF YOUR DOG RUNNING OUT. (FRIENDLY OR NOT)
• CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG – 100% OF THE TIME
• REGULAR EXERCISE IS CRITICAL. A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG
• STATE LAW SAYS REGISTER BY APRIL 1 EVERY YEAR
• TOWN’S HAVE ORDINANCES TOO. KNOW THEM.

Jericho: https://jerichovt.org/2474/widgets/17190/documents/2949

Underhill: https://www.underhillvt.gov/ordinance/domestic-pet-ordinance

Bolton: https://boltonvt.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/AnimalControlOrdinance.pdf

Cambridge/Jeffersonville: https://cambridgetownvt.documents-on-demand.com/?l=75fee5f65c93e911a2cd000c29a59557&d=ba4eb87e5d93e911a2cd000c29a59557

Warnings and Fines may be issued. Keep pets safe.

Be good Neighbors.

Submitted by Jennifer Silpe-Katz, Underhill Animal Control

Ed’s service to Jericho started in 1976 as the dog warden. The title of “Dog Warden” & “Poundkeeper” has changed over time and since 2002 he has been called the “Animal Control Officer” or ACO for short. He has also served as 2^nd Constable, Constable, Weigher of Coal, Inspector of Lumber and Shingles and the Fence Viewer.

When asked how he came across caring for Jericho Dogs he said he was at a Selectboard meeting and Buster Blodgett got up and left the room. Everyone thought he was just going to use the bathroom, but he left the building. When Buster did not return, Selectboard member Bob Curran turned to Ed and asked, “Will you do it?” “Sure,” answered Ed. Little did he know he was signing up for greater than 40 years of service.

Ed currently has a border collie cross named “Tasha”. Ed asks her if she wants to smile and she will lift her lip to show her teeth. She loves helping him on the farm. On April 27 he got a new puppy named “Jill.” Jill is also a border collie cross.

If you wish to send Ed a note of thanks for all that he has done and continues to do for Jericho Dogs.

Please mail to Ed Stygles, PO Box 145, Jericho Vermont 05465. He is not on Front Porch Forum or the internet, so he will just think it is a random coincidence that everyone has thought to thank him at once.