Mystery Helicopter Performing 'Rabies Vaccination Drop'

Severn residents noticed a helicopter circling overhead Thursday afternoon for more than 30 minutes, raising the question, “What’s going on?”

As it turns out, the chopper was conducting “a rabies vaccination drop,” according to Justin Mulcahy, spokesman for the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

Back in August, the police department released information about the vaccination effort including the Anne Arundel County Dept. of Health and the Wildlife Services of the United States Dept. of Agriculture, and residents witnessed first-hand the result of the vaccination.

The effort focuses on the immunization of thousands of wild raccoons by placing as many as 70,000 baits containing the rabies vaccine throughout the county. Immunizing the raccoon population helps decrease the exposure of rabies to other animals, pets and humans, according to the release.

The statement said two different types of bait are being dropped throughout the county.

“One looks like a small brown brick… and contains a small plastic bag of the liquid rabies vaccine… The second is similar to a condiment packet which has been coated with a waxy fishmeal attractant for raccoons,” as stated in the release.

Residents may also witness more interesting visuals, like workers wearing orange and green Dept. of Health T-shirts in the woods as they place bait throughout wooded areas that are closer to human population.

In less populated areas, the choppers will hover at a lower altitude during the distribution.

Below are usually asked questions regarding the operation and their answers according to the release from the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

What if I find a bait near my home? 

Leave it alone. If you don't want the bait near your home, use gloves or put a plastic bag over your hands to pick it up and toss it into the woods. Then, wash your hands. Bare hand contact with the bait alone is not a concern; however it does have a strong fish odor, so hand washing is still recommended. 

What if my child picks up the bait? 

If the packet containing the vaccine is not ruptured, wash your child's hands with plenty of soap and water to help get rid of the fishy odor. 

What if my child tears the vaccine packet or eats the bait? 

It is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine. The offensive odor usually discourages a child from eating the bait. However, in the unlikely event your child bites into the plastic packet containing the vaccine or otherwise has direct contact with the vaccine liquid, you should contact your child's physician and notify the Department of Health at 410-222-7168 for any follow-up action. 

What if my dog, cat or ferret eats the bait? 

The bait and vaccine are not harmful to animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, livestock and wildlife. The bait may cause diarrhea or vomiting in dogs, cats or ferrets due to the high fat content of the bait. 

What if my pet brings the bait into the house? 

Placement of baits will begin on September 7 and will be completed by the end of September. During this time and for at least two additional weeks, it is recommended that pets be kept indoors or on leashes outside. This will allow enough time for raccoons to eat the bait. If your pet does find the bait, discard the bait in the trash. Wear rubber gloves or put a plastic bag over your hands when discarding. Wash your hands after handling the bait and report any contact with the vaccine liquid to the Department of Health at410-222-7168. 

Can this vaccine be used to vaccinate my dog or cat against rabies? 

No, the vaccine is approved only for use in raccoons. You should have your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated by your veterinarian or at a public anti-rabies clinic offered by Anne Arundel County Animal Control. The law requires pets to be vaccinated against rabies.