Hazard of rabies may put raccoons on state hit list-12/8/99-Hazard of rabies may put raccoons on state hit list-
Resources panel weighs extermination proposal
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
The raccoon in Michigan is about as far as it can get from a spot on the protected species list.
In fact, the masked bandit is close to landing on the state's hit list.
The animal known for surviving in city and country alike is the target of state officials who fear it will introduce a new strain of rabies from Ohio. Raccoons in Michigan currently are not carriers of rabies, but they would be if the new strain enters the state.
Michigan officials say the raccoon's statewide population of several million needs to decrease to protect people and animals from rabies and other diseases. From 1991 to 1998 there were 225 cases of rabies reported in animals in Michigan. Skunks and bats are the only carriers for the rabies strain found in Michigan, but they can spread the infection to other animals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36 people nationwide have acquired rabies since 1980, mostly from bat bites.
A state board studying the rabies issue has proposed that all raccoons found injured and those caught by wildlife control companies be killed rather than rehabilitated or released to the wild.
Today, the state Natural Resources Commission, which will decide whether to accept the recommendation, will hold a public hearing at 4 p.m. at the Lansing Center.
"There are just too many raccoons, and they are too dangerous to be around people," said Jim Sikarski, a veterinarian from Michigan State University who sits on the board studying rabies and supports the raccoon plan.
"Unfortunately, this becomes an emotional issue because they are cute," Sikarski said. "If we were talking about mice or rats, nobody would be concerned."
But people who study and help injured and orphaned raccoons say the plan doesn't make sense.
"From a business standpoint, we are concerned about making decisions for our customers that are not based in science," said Mike Dwyer, director of operations for Critter Control, a chain of 17 Michigan stores and 100 nationwide that removes unwanted wild animals for home and business owners.
"We don't believe science shows that you can remove enough animals to make a difference in controlling rabies," said Dwyer, who has a wildlife management degree.
Opponents also say the policy has failed in nine states after public outcry or lack of results. Maryland and North Carolina prohibit raccoon rehabilitation. In North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio, trappers are prohibited from relocating nuisance raccoons.
The opponents also say that the policy has backfired in other places because untrained people were bitten or contracted disease when caring for raccoons.
HANDLE WITH CARE
If you are compelled to help an injured or orphaned raccoon:
*Don't try to pick it up with your hands. If you feel you must move it out of danger, use a blanket, box or coat to cover and secure it. Then pick it up.
*Call animal control or a veterinarian as soon as possible for the name of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
*If the raccoon appears to be a baby, try watching from a distance in case the mother is coming back.
*Keep pets away.
*Do not feed cow's milk or food.
Source: Critter Alley wildlife rehabilitators in Grand Ledge.
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