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NEW CUMBERLAND - The United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services program (USDA-WS) will distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in West Virginia beginning on or about July 31 to vaccinate raccoons against the rabies virus. Bait distribution in West Virginia is part of a nationwide, cooperative effort by USDA to prevent the westward spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States. The baiting program is being conducted in part to abate an emergency human health and safety issue associated with rabies. Implementation of this program in West Virginia is a cooperative effort between USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Virginia Department of Health, and other agencies.
Beginning on or about July 31, coated sachet baits containing the RABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine (ORV) will be distributed across Hancock County. The aerial bait drop is expected to last through Sept. 4.
When ORV baits are distributed by aircraft, a navigator controls the bait machine and turns off the machine as necessary to avoid dropping baits on roadways, structures, large bodies of water, etc. The ORV baits to be distributed throughout the bait zone are plastic packets of vaccine coated with an oily, fish-scented substance to attract raccoons. Each bait is marked with a toll-free number (1-877-722-6725) for people to call for assistance or information if they find or come in contact with a bait.
It is recommended that anyone who finds a bait leave it alone to allow wildlife to find it. However, if a bait is intact and out in the open, it can be tossed deeper into the woods or brush where a wild animal is more likely to find it. People should wear gloves or use a towel if it is necessary to handle baits and wash their hands afterward. Pet owners should not attempt to take baits away from their pets, as they may be bitten in the process and exposed to the vaccine. Although baits are not harmful to pets, ingestion of a large number of baits may cause temporary stomach upset. Anyone who comes in contact with the liquid vaccine contained within the bait should wash their hands immediately and contact their local health department for further guidance.
Contact the USDA at 1-866-487-3297 if you have any questions about the Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program.