Tennessee health officials are warning residents about oral rabies vaccine baits being distributed in parts of the state beginning Oct. 7.
The Tennessee Department of Health is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to distribute oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons along Tennessee’s borders with Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
The annual program, administered by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, will distribute coated sachet baits containing RABORAL V-RG or ONRAB oral rabies vaccine. The fish-scented baits are designed to attract raccoons and other wildlife and will be distributed by low-flying airplanes and helicopters.
The baiting program will take place in portions of Bradley, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamilton, Johnson, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties.
“Rabies is a serious public health concern. Controlling the spread of raccoon rabies helps keep people, pets and livestock safe,” Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dunn said. “We’re pleased to once again partner with USDA Wildlife Services in this important and effective program to reduce rabies risk in our state.”
Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, but it is 100% preventable when people seek medical attention immediately after an exposure.
Officials said residents should leave vaccine baits alone unless they are located where children or pets play. If an intact bait is found in an area accessible to a pet, residents should confine the pet and move the bait to a wooded or brush area where wildlife can find it.
People should wear gloves or use a towel or plastic bag when handling baits. While touching an intact bait is not harmful, residents should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if there is a chance the vaccine packet has been ruptured.
Eating the baits is not expected to harm pets, although consuming a large number could cause an upset stomach. Officials also warn residents not to remove a bait from a pet’s mouth because they could be bitten.
Each bait is marked with a toll-free rabies information number, 1-877-722-6725, for people who need assistance or information after finding or coming into contact with a bait.
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