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Rabies Vaccines to Rain Down on Maine Woods

Oral Vaccines to Target Wildlife

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is preparing to distribute approximately 50,400 oral rabies vaccines over Franklin and Somerset counties this week. The vaccines will be distributed via aircraft, targeting wildlife populations to prevent the spread of rabies.

What to Expect

Residents may notice small, cube-shaped objects in the woods. These are the oral rabies vaccines, which are designed to be consumed by animals. The vaccines are safe for animals and humans but should not be handled.

Importance of the Program

This program is part of a larger effort to control rabies in Maine. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Vaccinating wildlife helps protect both animals and people from infection.

Precautions

While the vaccines are safe, the Maine CDC urges residents to take precautions to avoid contact with them. Do not handle the vaccines if you see them in the woods. If you have any concerns, contact your local animal control officer.