USDA Deploys Millions of Rabies Baits Across Eastern U.S. to Block Westward Spread
Updated
Updated · RFD-TV · Aug 11
USDA Deploys Millions of Rabies Baits Across Eastern U.S. to Block Westward Spread
2 articles · Updated · RFD-TV · Aug 11
Summary
Millions of oral vaccine baits are being distributed this year across the eastern United States as USDA expands its raccoon-rabies containment effort.
The vaccination corridor runs from the northeastern states down from the Lake Erie area to Alabama, aiming to stop the raccoon rabies variant from moving west and limit spread into Canada.
USDA’s Wildlife Services is placing the baits by airplane, helicopter, vehicle and bait stations, depending on terrain and population patterns.
The agency said the raccoon variant remains confined to the Eastern U.S., but wider spread could raise human and pet exposure as raccoons are drawn to homes by outdoor pet food.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, USDA said, though prompt treatment after exposure can prevent the disease.