While the COVID-19 pandemic remains the top healthcare concern, other diseases like rabies can still pose a threat. It not only has an adverse effect on the local wildlife, it can also contribute to conflicts between humans and affected animal species.

Fortunately, in the case of Cape Cod, local wildlife authorities are already set to deploy over 60,000 oral rabies vaccine baits to prevent an onset of the disease spreading from amongst raccoons.

How raccoon rabies vaccines help wildlife

Raccoons are common throughout the entire Cape Cod area and beyond. However, despite their reputation as trash pandas and dog-fighting misfits, raccoons do serve an important role in the local ecosystem.

Their omnivorous diet makes them a natural predator for smaller animals. Meanwhile, their penchant for berries and fruits makes them ideal for spreading seeds and ensuring the health of the woodlands.

The only problem is that they also have a knack for spreading rabies and this can spread further to other wild animals. They also make the raccoons more aggressive and prone to attacking pets and humans.

And even when they do not show any obvious symptoms, they are still regarded as a vector species for the virus (meaning they can still transmit the virus without being completely affected by it. Left unchecked, it could lead to another outbreak and become an unnecessary burden to the ongoing crisis.

That is why vaccine baits had been developed to ease the work of vaccinating them one by one. Racoons live in many places that are not easily reached, even by park rangers, and it would also be very disruptive of the ecosystem to go and try.

Vaccine baits use the little trash panda's knack for picking and chewing objects as a means of giving it its medicine. They look like little cubes covered in fishmeal with a rather potent smell to attract the racoons. The vaccine is administered once they start eating it.

Also read: Tobacco Plants Used to Develop a COVID-19 Vaccine

Handling vaccines for wildlife

If you live in the area and see a chopper dropping off the vaccines, then there is no reason to panic. Simply head inside and wait until it passes by. If you see any of the aforementioned vaccine baits in your yard, however, it is advised to move them if you do not want them attracting the racoons to your yard. Pick them up with gloves to avoid catching the smell, and relocate them someplace farther from your neighborhood.

Make sure to also keep all trash bins closed and reduce the chances of the baits accidentally attracting racoon parties in them. You might also want to consider keeping the baits away from pets. Because while they are relatively harmless, the smell might also get to them.

Lastly, should you actually see any raccoons at this time, it is to keep your distance. Be on the lookout for signs of rabid behavior, but otherwise leave them be. Should there be any instances of these animals creating mischief in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call your local wildlife authorities as usual.

Also read: Some Animals Observed to be Capable of Social Distancing to Avoid Diseases