Gapyeong-gun, Making Every Effort to Prevent Rabies Transmission Through Wild Animals

9000 Bait Preventive Medicines Distributed in Areas with Wild Animals Such as Neoguri

Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province (Governor Seo Tae-won) announced on the 6th that since the 5th, they have been distributing 9,000 rabies bait vaccines in areas where wild animals appear and mountainous regions to prevent the transmission of rabies through wild animals such as raccoons.

Rabies bait vaccine in Gapyeong-gun. Provided by Gapyeong-gun.

The rabies virus can be latent in the saliva or mucous membranes of infected wild raccoons and can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms appear after an incubation period of about one month. The county emphasized the need for caution, especially to prevent contact with wild animals by keeping pets on a leash during walks. If bitten or contacted by wild animals, it is important to wash the wound with soapy water and seek immediate medical treatment.

The rabies bait vaccine currently being distributed is a brown rectangular block made from fish meal, containing vaccine liquid. When wild animals consume this bait, the vaccine is absorbed through the gum mucosa, forming immunity.

Gapyeong-gun explained that it is safe even if pets walking around parks and riversides consume this bait. However, if a person touches the bait, their scent may remain, causing wild animals to avoid eating it, and occasional itching may occur, so caution is advised. The county plans to collect and incinerate any bait not consumed 30 days after distribution.

Park Jun-gyu, Director of Livestock Policy Division, said, “We will block rabies, a zoonotic infectious disease transmitted through wild animals, to ensure the safety of residents and their pets,” and added, “Please avoid contact with wild animals during autumn hiking or walks.”