Rabies vaccine bait packet (photo courtesy: Coconino Health Dept.)
Flagstaff, Arizona – On Tuesday, July 7, 2009 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to extend and expand the Rabies Declaration of Quarantine which was originally enacted on April 7, 2009. The original quarantine declaration was set to expire today.
The amendment includes an extension of the Rabies Quarantine time period to August 13, 2009 and an expansion of the existing Rabies Quarantine area to extend in a 15 mile radius from the “Rabies Zone”. The Rabies Zone, which is located primarily in Flagstaff and includes locations in Parks, is an area where there has been a substantial increase in rabies activity during the past 8 months.
Also included in the Rabies Quarantine amendment, beginning August 13, 2009, the Quarantine area will be reduced to include two large locations on the east side of Flagstaff. The Quarantine will continue until September 13, 2009 for this portion of Flagstaff to allow for the completion of the rabies response plan.
The Board’s action to amend the existing Quarantine was a result of a request by the Coconino County Health Department to allow for the implementation of a rabies vaccination program. The program will consist of two elements. One element is directed toward vaccinating the fox population in the greater Flagstaff area. The other element is directed towards vaccinating the skunk population in two large areas on the east side of Flagstaff.
The revised Quarantine places certain mandatory restrictions on residents within the expanded Quarantine area. The revised Quarantine includes the following requirements and restrictions:
- All cats and dogs must be confined within an enclosure or secured on the owner’s property; or when not on the owner’s property, pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Cats or dogs found at-large in the area will be impounded.
- All persons within the expanded Quarantine Area who own or control domesticated dogs and cats must make sure that their pets are vaccinated and that vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations are available from your local veterinarian.
- During the Quarantine period, a team of staff and volunteers from partner agencies will be distributing vaccine bait in selected parts of the expanded Quarantine Area and continuing public education. The Quarantine allows the Health Department and participating agencies to enter private property to place vaccine bait packets. The vaccine bait packets are not harmful to humans or animals; however the CCHD recommends that you avoid touching the packets. Additional information about the bait packets is available at www.coconino.az.gov/health<http://www.coconino.az.gov/health>. People are prohibited from interfering with the bait packets in any way. This will help to ensure that enough wild animals become vaccinated by eating the bait.
- Feeding wild animals will also be forbidden as a part of the Quarantine. This will help to minimize the opportunity for exposure to pets and humans by keeping wild animals away from homes, pets and people.
- In addition, pet owners must not leave pet food outside after sundown, and compost bins and piles must be completely enclosed.
- Although many wild animals are nocturnal, it is possible for animals to be out during the day searching for food. If a wild animal is behaving in a strange manner, such as acting aggressive, staggering, or will not back away, call CCHD Rabies Information Line at 928-679-7350.
- Wild animals may not be trapped within the expanded Quarantine area limits or transported outside the area without prior written approval from the Coconino County Health Department. Do not approach a wild animal. Call the Health Department for assistance.
Please contact the Coconino County Health Department Rabies Information Line at 928-679-7350 for additional information or visit www.coconino.az.gov/health<http://www.coconino.az.gov/health>.
Revised Flagstaff Quarantine Area
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