USDA Drops 75,000 Rabies Baits in Massachusetts as New England Campaign Tops 1 Million
Updated
Updated · Boston.com · Aug 19
USDA Drops 75,000 Rabies Baits in Massachusetts as New England Campaign Tops 1 Million
3 articles · Updated · Boston.com · Aug 19
Summary
Massachusetts will receive 75,000 oral rabies vaccine baits from mid-September to mid-October across Cape Cod and parts of the mainland by helicopter, vehicle and bait station.
The USDA is running the annual campaign to curb raccoon rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, using fishmeal-coated vaccine sachets that wildlife eat.
New England's broader rollout is already underway: northern Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York got nearly 460,000 baits starting Aug. 1, while northern Maine is receiving about 598,000 from Aug. 12 to Aug. 24.
APHIS said people and pets cannot get rabies from touching the bait, though anyone who handles one should wash with warm soap and water; dogs may get an upset stomach if they eat too many.