The U.S. Department of Agriculture is distributing oral rabies vaccine baits across western Pennsylvania this week as part of an ongoing effort to combat wildlife rabies.
More than 225,000 baits are being distributed via helicopter across Allegheny County and in portions of Beaver, Lawrence and Washington counties. The program aims to stop the westward spread of the rabies virus, which is most frequently carried and transmitted by raccoons.
The baiting program is part of the USDA National Rabies Management Program, which has distributed oral rabies vaccine baits in parts of Pennsylvania using aerial drops and vehicles since 2001. The baits emit a scent that attracts targeted wildlife such as raccoons, which eat the bait and become vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies infects the central nervous system in mammals and is almost always fatal if exposure is left untreated. Annual costs associated with rabies detection, prevention and control in the United States exceed $600 million. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of reported rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wild animals.
Health officials state that humans and domestic animals cannot contract rabies from touching the baits, but residents are asked to leave them undisturbed. Pets that consume a bait may experience a temporary upset stomach due to the richness of the attractant. Anyone who touches a bait should immediately rinse the area with warm water and soap. Public health officials also urge residents to avoid feeding or contacting wildlife and to keep pet rabies vaccinations up to date.
Helicopter distribution of the baits is expected to last approximately one week, weather permitting.
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