Gapyeong-gun is making every effort to prevent the spread of rabies through wild animals. Gapyeong-gun (Governor Seo Tae-won) announced that it is distributing 9,000 rabies bait preventive drugs to wild animal-infested areas and mountainous areas starting on the 5th to prevent the spread of rabies through wild animals such as raccoons.
The rabies virus can lie dormant in the saliva or mucous membranes of infected wild raccoons and then be transmitted to humans, and symptoms appear after an incubation period of about a month. The military especially emphasized the need to be careful when walking with pets, such as keeping them on a leash to prevent contact with wild animals. If you are bitten or come into contact with a wild animal, it is important to wash the injured area with soapy water and seek immediate medical treatment at a hospital.
The rabies bait preventive drug currently being distributed is in the form of a brown square block made from fishmeal and contains vaccine liquid. When a wild animal consumes this bait, the vaccine is absorbed through the gum mucosa and immunity is formed.
Gapyeong-gun explained that it is safe even if pets walking around parks and rivers eat this bait. However, if a person touches the bait, their body odor may stick and wild animals may not eat it, and in some cases, itching may occur, so be careful. The military plans to retrieve and incinerate any bait that has not been consumed even after 30 days of spraying the bait preventive agent.
Park Jun-gyu, head of the Livestock Policy Division, said, “We will protect the safety of residents and their pets by blocking rabies, a zoonotic disease transmitted through wild animals,” and added, “Please avoid contact with wild animals when hiking or walking in the fall.”
Meanwhile, Gapyeong-gun announced that it is operating three additional eco-friendly electric low-floor buses starting on the 5th to improve public transportation services and realize eco-friendly policies.
Gapyeong-gun has introduced and operated one electric low-floor bus on route 41 (Hyeonri-Gapyeong) since last June, and is now operating three additional buses. Two additional vehicles will be deployed on route 15, which runs between Gapyeong and Buk-myeon, and one vehicle will be placed on route 60, which was newly established from November 5. Route 60 is an intra-town circulation bus that passes through Gapyeong Station, Gapyeong Terminal, Hyundai Hillstate, Gapyeong County Office, and Han Seokbong Library. It was newly established to solve the problem of increasing the number of buses that residents have been requesting since moving into new apartments last year.
The eco-friendly electric low-floor buses being introduced this time have a low garage and a wheelchair lift, which increases the convenience of transportation for the disabled, the elderly, and pregnant women, and is expected to contribute to improving the transportation environment as it produces little noise and smoke. In addition, the electric charging method has the effect of reducing energy costs compared to fossil fuels, so it is expected to help improve the finances of rural bus operation.
Gapyeong-gun plans to introduce two additional units by December of this year and operate a total of six units. The plan is to sequentially introduce 6 units in 2025 and a total of 36 units by 2030. In addition, bus number 44 was preemptively prepared for Unak-ri and Sangpan-ri residents and tourists who are experiencing inconvenience due to the change and reduction of the terminal point of route 1330-44 and began operation on November 5.
Tak Hye-gyeong, head of the Transportation Division, said, “We plan to continue to promote the introduction of electric low-floor buses to enhance the convenience of transportation for the transportation vulnerable and provide eco-friendly public transportation services,” and added, “We will also gradually improve bus platforms so that residents can conveniently use public transportation.” “I will do my best to make it happen,” he said.
Economy Queen Choi Hana reporter photo Gapyeong-gun
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Wildlife Management
Editor (E): ”Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a pressing public health initiative in Gapyeong-gun, where local authorities are taking steps to curb the spread of rabies among wild animals. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Lee Min-soo, a wildlife management expert, with us today. Dr. Lee, can you elaborate on why rabies in wild animals poses a significant risk to both pets and humans?”
Dr. Lee (L): ”Thank you for having me. Rabies is a serious zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Wild animals, like raccoons, can carry the rabies virus in their saliva and mucous membranes without showing any symptoms. If they bite or come into contact with pets or humans, there’s a risk of transmission. Once symptoms develop in humans, it’s often too late for effective treatment.”
E: “Gapyeong-gun has started distributing rabies bait preventive drugs. How effective is this method in controlling rabies outbreaks in wild animal populations?”
L: “This bait method is quite effective. The bait, designed to attract wild animals, contains a vaccine that they absorb through their gum mucosa when consumed. By immunizing a significant portion of the wild population, we can create what’s known as herd immunity, greatly reducing the risk of rabies transmission to pets and humans.”
E: “That’s fascinating! I understand there are safety measures in place regarding these baits. Can you explain how the authorities are managing potential risks to pets?”
L: “Absolutely. The authorities have assured that the bait is safe for pets if consumed. However, they advise pet owners to keep their animals leashed, especially in areas where bait is distributed. If pets ingest the bait, they will receive the vaccine without adverse effects. But it’s crucial that humans don’t interfere with it because their scent might deter wild animals from consuming the bait, and there’s the potential for skin irritation.”
E: “It’s clear that awareness and education are critical. What else can residents do to minimize their risk of rabies exposure while enjoying the outdoors?”
L: “Residents should avoid encounters with wild animals, which can seem less intimidating during the fall when people are hiking. If you see a wild animal, it’s best to give them space and not provoke them. And if bitten or scratched, wash the area immediately and seek medical help. They should also consider vaccinating pets regularly against rabies.”
E: “On a different note, I noticed that Gapyeong-gun also launched eco-friendly buses to enhance public transportation. How do you feel these initiatives connect to broader wildlife and environmental goals?”
L: “The introduction of eco-friendly buses shows a commitment to reducing pollution and protecting local wildlife habitats from urban encroachment. Transportation policies that support sustainability can help mitigate the effects of habitat loss, which often displaces wildlife, potentially increasing human-wildlife interactions – and, by extension, the risks of zoonotic diseases like rabies.”
E: “That’s an important connection. Thank you, Dr. Lee, for shedding light on such a critical public health issue and the measures being taken in Gapyeong-gun. We appreciate your insights!”
L: “Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to educate communities about rabies prevention and embrace environmentally friendly practices to safeguard both human and animal health.”