Low Flying Aircraft to Distribute Packets
AKWESASNE, NY- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services will be conducting an Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) drop for raccoons in Franklin County, including the area of Akwesasne, from June 2 and 3, 2015.
The ORV program uses fixed-wing aircraft to distribute baits over large geographic areas flying approximately 500 feet above ground level. It is expected that the flight over the southern portion of the Akwesasne Territory will take 1 to 2 days.
Notification of the exact drop dates will be posted on the Tribe's facebook page and announced on CKON.
The baits resemble fast-food ketchup or mustard packets coated with fishmeal and oil to make it more attractive to the raccoons. The vaccine and bait are not considered to be dangerous to humans, pets or other wildlife. If you find a bait packet near your home, it is best to leave it where you found it unless it is an area not likely to attract a raccoon or in an area frequented by children or pets. If you move the bait, handle with a glove and wash hands thoroughly as it smells quite bad.
If you have any additional questions regarding the ORV operation, please speak with staff from Wildlife Services at (866) 487-3297, Rabies Field Coordinator Jordana Kirby at (865) 363-9381 or the Tribe's Environment Division at (518) 358-5937.
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Please direct media inquiries to the Communications Department at 518-358-2272.