- USDA APHIS is distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits across multiple eastern states to help contain raccoon rabies.
- Vaccine baits will be deployed by airplane, helicopter, vehicle and bait stations in rural, suburban and urban areas through October.
- Rabies remains a significant public health concern, with approximately 90% of reported U.S. cases occurring in wildlife, according to the CDC.
- The oral vaccine is designed for wildlife and is considered safe around domestic pets, although officials recommend leaving baits undisturbed if encountered.
- Distribution efforts will cover portions of New York, Vermont, Maine, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has launched its annual oral rabies vaccination campaign aimed at preventing the spread of raccoon rabies across the eastern United States.
Multi-state vaccination effort
The program uses RABORAL V-RG oral vaccine baits distributed throughout targeted wildlife habitats to create a barrier against the disease as it moves westward. In selected areas, APHIS will also distribute ONRAB vaccine baits as part of ongoing field assessments.
Beginning in August, APHIS and its state partners will distribute vaccine baits by fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, vehicles and bait stations across multiple eastern states, with operations continuing through October.
Protecting animal and public health
USDA said rabies remains one of the nation’s most significant zoonotic diseases. Approximately 90% of reported U.S. rabies cases occur in wildlife, and prevention and control efforts cost more than $500 million annually. Officials said the vaccine baits are safe for wildlife as well as domestic dogs and cats, though people should leave them undisturbed if encountered.
Additional information is available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies.
Information sourced from the USDA APHIS press release.
