08/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/09/2024 08:59
Breadcrumb
Press Release
Contact:
Tanya Espinosa
[email protected]
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2024- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will begin its annual distribution of RABORAL V-RG®, an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait, in select areas in the eastern United States to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies into America's heartland.
Rabies is a serious public health concern. While rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, it also is 100% preventable. Human exposures can be successfully remedied if medical attention is sought immediately following exposure. Costs associated with rabies detection, prevention and control may exceed $500 million annually in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife.
APHIS' Wildlife Services (WS) and its cooperators will begin distributing ORV baits on or about August 10th across rural areas by airplane and in suburban or urban areas by helicopter, vehicle, and bait station. ORV baits are coated with a fishmeal attractant and are packaged in two-inch plastic sachets or one-inch square cubes. To see photos of the vaccination baits, please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/4578217863/in/album-72157623983143606/
WS and cooperators will distribute ORV baits during the following time periods and based out of airports in the cities listed below:
In Northeast to Mid-Atlantic states during August:
In Massachusetts from mid-September through mid-October:
In Southern states, during October:
The RABORAL V-RG® vaccine is safe for many animals, including domestic dogs and cats. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits but should leave them undisturbed if they are encountered. Dogs that consume large numbers of baits may experience an upset stomach, but there are no long-term health risks. If adults or children come in contact with baits, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap.
For additional information concerning rabies or the ORV program, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies or contact WS toll free at 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297).
APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.