The AMC/NOMA is an active participant on the Medical Advisory Committee of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. At their most recent meeting, there was a great deal of discussion regarding rabies in Cuyahoga and the surrounding counties and the plan to distributed edible baits. Last year there were 45 rabies positive raccoons in Lake (22), Geauga(22) and Cuyahoga (1) counties. This year, 7 positive raccoons have been identified. A genetically engineered, vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein (V-RG) virus has proven to be orally effective in raccoons. The vaccine was extensively evaluated in the laboratory for safety in over 50 vertebrate species with no adverse effects regardless of route or dose. The recombinant vaccine has been licensed in the United States for vaccination of free-ranging raccoons and is the only effective vaccine for raccoons. Edible baits containing the rabies vaccine will be distributed by air and ground on April 25. The goal of this baiting activity is to vaccinate raccoons and hopefully slow the spread of rabies among raccoons and serves to complement traditional efforts, including public education, domestic animal vaccination, and human post-exposure prophylaxis. A fall baiting is planned.
The Medical Advisory Committee agreed that information regarding the baiting and rabies should be disseminated to physicians and other health care providers. For copies of brochures and other rabies related information – click on the web sites listed below.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/
http://www.ccbh.net/news/rcontact.pdf