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Wildlife Vaccination Program to Prevent Rabies

Parts of Carroll and Portage Counties in Ohio Receive Protection

A wildlife vaccination program is currently underway in parts of Carroll and Portage Counties in Ohio, targeting raccoons and skunks. The program aims to prevent the spread of rabies, a deadly viral disease that infects mammals.

Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop

The vaccination program involves distributing oral rabies vaccine in sweet-scented bait attractive to raccoons and skunks. The bait is wrapped in quarter-sized blister packs and will be distributed by plane in August 2024.

Program Scope and Benefits

Approximately 300,000 bait packs will be distributed in the targeted areas. The program is part of a larger effort by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to manage rabies in wildlife. Rabies can cause severe illness and death in humans and animals, making vaccination efforts crucial for public health.

Additional Bait Drop

An additional bait drop is planned for Chittenden County to address rabies among wildlife in the area.