Oral rabies vaccine baits to be airdropped

Oral rabies vaccine baits for wildlife will soon start to be distributed in parts of eastern Ohio and surrounding states.

ORV baits have been distributed in Ohio through aerial drops and by hand since 1997 in partnership with state and local public health agencies and others as part of the USDA National Rabies Management Program.

This effort seeks to prevent the westward movement of the rabies virus most often spread by raccoons by creating a barrier along the Appalachian Mountains from the Canadian border to Alabama, according to a news release.

ORV baits are distributed using fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters, or from vehicles on the ground. It will take place in early to midAugust.

Approximately 888,000 baits will be distributed by fixed wing airplanes in rural areas of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and the panhandle of West Virginia, including over 700,000 baits in Ohio alone, the release stated.

From approximately Aug. 11-20, ORV bait distribution by fixed wing airplanes will include parts of Geauga and Lake counties.

The vaccine distribution campaign in Ohio will use an ORV bait called ONRAB, the release stated.

The vaccine, which is contained in a blister pack, is covered in a waxy green coating that has a sugarvanilla smell. The odor attracts targeted wild animals, such as raccoons, who eat the baits and are then vaccinated against rabies.

The vaccine baits have been proven safe in many species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats, the release stated.

Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits. However, if found, people should leave the baits undisturbed. If a person has contact with a bait, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap.

People should not attempt to remove a bait from an animal’s mouth, as they could be bitten. Ingesting the bait will not harm pets, but if a pet has eaten several baits, they may experience vomiting or diarrhea that is self-limiting.

Rabies is caused by a virus that infects the central nervous system in mammals and represents a serious public health concern. If exposures to the virus are not treated it is almost always fatal.