Best practices for nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State

Home | Wildlife control | NYS DEC | CCE | NYS IPM

Ch 4: Section four: What you need to know about wildlife diseases

Higher, deeper, further...optional activities to explore other perspectives about this topic

1. Develop a short talk about rabies prevention, and offer it during a community safety fair (police departments often sponsor these events). Speak to your local county health department's rabies coordinator, or to staff from the New York State Department. of Health Zoonoses Program, for help in preparing your talk. They may be able to offer brochures or videos.
    
2. Write a short piece for a local newspaper (often known as an editorial, or "op-ed') explaining why it's important to vaccinate your pets. Check with a local veterinarian or the NYS Veterinary Medical Society for more information on pet vaccination.
    
3. Create tip cards for your customers that explain which diseases are carried by a particular species, how those diseases are spread, and how to lower your chances of catching the disease. For example, the raccoon card might list rabies, canine distemper, feline distemper, and raccoon roundworm, give the CDC and rabies lab websites for more information, explain how people and pets catch these diseases, and then how to clean up afterwards.

Next Section (Review questions)