The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, are about to begin distributing a new oral rabies vaccine across forests in Western North Carolina. The effort is part of an attempt to reduce the spread of rabies among raccoons and other wild animals.
Starting April 2, planes will drop new vaccine-laced baits throughout 17 counties, including Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey.
“Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease, and this program plays a critical role in protecting both public health and animal populations across North Carolina,” said NC Public Health Veterinarian Carl Williams in a press release. “By vaccinating wildlife like raccoons, we create a barrier that helps stop the spread of the virus — keeping people, pets and communities safer.”
The baits contain a plastic packet filled with the new vaccine concoction, either coated in fishmeal or encased in a fishmeal-polymer block. When a raccoon bites into the bait, it punctures the packet, triggering an immune response that produces antibodies against rabies.
Officials urge residents to avoid handling the baits. If contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water and call the number on the bait for guidance.
North Carolina law requires pets to be vaccinated for rabies by four months of age and kept up to date. While rabies most often affects wild animals in the state, it can spread to humans and domestic animals through bites. Anyone exposed to a potentially rabid animal should seek immediate medical attention for evaluation and possible treatment.
You can find out more info on this program on the National Rabies Management Program webpage, or by visiting the NCDHHS Division of Public Health website here.
