USDA Plans Airdrop Millions Rabies Baits Southeast

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is distributing oral rabies vaccine baits by airplane, helicopter and ground vehicle to prevent raccoon rabies from spreading across parts of Pennsylvania and the Southeast. More than 225,000 baits are being dropped in western Pennsylvania, while more than 2.4 million are planned for October across Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. The fishmeal-coated packets contain a vaccine that raccoons receive by biting into them and are considered safe for people, dogs and cats, although pets that consume several may experience temporary stomach upset. Officials advise residents to leave the baits undisturbed, wash with soap and water after handling one, avoid contact with wildlife and keep pets’ rabies vaccinations current. The program is designed to create a vaccine barrier along the western edge of the raccoon rabies outbreak, and South Carolina is not included in this year’s Southeast distribution.