The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has begun its annual distribution of RABORAL V-RG®, an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait, in select areas in the eastern United States to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies into America’s heartland.

The bait is distributed in rural and suburban areas by helicopter, vehicle and bait station.

The bait is covered with a fish-meal attractant and is packaged in two-inch plastic sachets or one-inch square cubes.

According to the latest information from the USDA, the project got underway yesterday in Chattooga, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield and Dade Counties. The coated packets will be dropped from aircraft across the area.

The RABORAL V-RG® vaccine has been deemed safe in more than 60 different species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits, but should leave them undisturbed if they are encountered. Dogs that consume large numbers of baits may experience an upset stomach, but there are no long-term health risks. If adults or children come in contact with baits, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap.