SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — This coastal city will continue working toward reducing and eliminating the dog strain of rabies carried by coyotes in the state.
On Wednesday, the City of South Padre Island will distribute baits containing the vaccination for rabies around the city in non-populated areas that may attract coyotes.
The baits are made of a fishmeal casing with a pouch in the center that contains the rabies vaccine.
City officials urge the public to avoid disturbing the baits, which are marked with warning signs.
If a person or an animal comes in contact with the bait, contact the Texas Department of Health at 1-877-722-6725 or visit www.texasorvp.org .
The city’s animal control division will be assisting the Texas Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control Division with the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program.
SPI Environmental Health Director Victor Baldovinos said the department’s staff have successfully participated in the program for more than 10 years.
“Our participation in the program is necessary to be included in the state’s effort in eliminating the dog strain of rabies potentially carried by coyotes,” he added.
For more information, contact the SPI Environmental Health Services Department at (956) 761-8123.
