Baldwin: 2020 Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Baiting Program

Press release from the Borough of Baldwin:

July 27, 2020

2020 Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Baiting Program

Beginning July 31 and running through August 17, the Allegheny County Health Department and USDA Wildlife Services will distribute raccoon rabies vaccine baits across Allegheny County. Baits will be delivered by hand from ground vehicles. This effort helps eradicate raccoon rabies while also reducing human and pet exposures to rabid animals. For more information about this program, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit: http://www.achd.net/raccoon/

The Allegheny County Health Department and USDA Wildlife Services will distribute raccoon rabies vaccine baits across Allegheny County from July 31-August 17 as part of its Annual Raccoon Rabies Vaccination Baiting Project. This marks the 19th year of the project, which helps decrease raccoon rabies while also reducing human and pet exposures to rabid animals. More details regarding this effort can be found on ACHD’s web page: http://www.achd.net/raccoon/

For the 19th consecutive year, the Allegheny County Health Department and USDA Wildlife Services will team up to distribute raccoon rabies vaccine baits across Allegheny County to help eradicate raccoon rabies in Southwestern, Pa. Known as the Raccoon Rabies Vaccination Baiting Project, this effort has resulted in a significant reduction in human and pet exposures to rabies throughout Allegheny County. Please visit ACHD’s web page for more information about this project, which includes a list of frequently asked questions: http://www.achd.net/raccoon/

There will be two types of bait: One is a plastic sachet (looks like a ketchup packet) coated in fish meal, the other is a plastic sachet enclosed in a fish meal block. The fish scent attracts the raccoons who consume the bait and vaccine, resulting in the development of antibodies to the rabies virus.

The risk of adverse effects to humans and animals due to exposure to the vaccine is minimal, but we urge the public to avoid contact with the bait if possible. If a stray bait must be moved, it should be picked up using rubber or latex gloves or a shovel.

Attention Dog Owners: Please make sure that your dog is on a leash! Although these baits will not harm your dog, if they eat too many they can get an upset stomach and/or diarrhea.

This press release was produced by the Borough of Baldwin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.