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Packets being dropped on the Cape are rabies vaccines for raccoons
Boston.com • • health
Key Points:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits across New England via helicopters, vehicles, and airplanes to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies.
- Massachusetts will begin its Cape Cod ORV bait project from mid-September to mid-October, distributing 75,000 baits across parts of the state.
- Recent ORV bait distribution projects include Barre, Vermont, starting August 1 with nearly 460,000 baits, and Houlton, Maine, starting August 12 with approximately 598,000 baits.
- The ORV baits are packaged in plastic sachets coated with a fishmeal attractant, and while humans and animals cannot contract rabies from touching the bait, people should wash the area with warm soapy water if contact occurs.
- The rabies vaccines are safe for many animals, including domestic pets, though dogs consuming multiple baits might experience mild stomach upset without long-term health effects.
