Beginning on September 24, 2012, the Simonton area will begin participation in an “air dropped” vaccination pilot program administrated by the Texas Department of State Health Services. According to Kay Reynolds of the Health Department these packets – about the size of a “fast food” catsup packet – will be dropped by low flying aircraft – similar to crop dusters – in the Simonton area.
Reynolds also stated that in October and November of 2012, certain individuals will penetrate the “drop area” and harvest skunks for laboratory analysis.
What to do if you find an unbroken vaccine bait:
If it is on your lawn, driveway or other area not likely to attract a skunk, put on gloves before moving the bait. While wearing protective hand coverings, such as, gloves, move the bait to an area of thicker cover where a skunk will be more likely to find it.
What to do if you find a broken vaccine bait:
With gloves on, place the bait in a bag and dispose of it with your regular trash. If the pink liquid (vaccine) comes in contact with your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and call your local health authorities at 1-877-722-6725 or 281-238-3233. Reynolds stated that the bait will not harm a person if the vaccine (pink liquid) touches the skin, but it smells like rotten fish in order to attract skunks.
To read more about this program and view a map of the “drop zone,” please click below:
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1257/1505259/
You may also call Simonton City Hall at 281-533-9809 or Melanie Manville at 281-238-3551 with any questions you might have.
