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United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services (USDA - WS) Program to Distribute Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) Baits in Alabama Beginning on or around January 22, 2024.
Beginning on, or around Monday, January 22, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services (USDA - WS) will begin the distribution of approximately 218,820 coated sachet baits containing RABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine (ORV) across a 1,599 square-mile bait zone in Southwest Alabama, targeting raccoons and other wildlife.
These baits will be distributed via low-flying airplanes and helicopters throughout a vaccination area that includes most of the coastal peninsula and parts of the following cities: Spanish Fort, Fairhope, Daphne, and Foley.
The aerial bait drop is expected to last for around two weeks. The ORV baits to be aerially distributed over the majority of the bait zone are plastic packets of vaccine coated with an oily, fish-scented substance to attract raccoons. Each bait is marked with a toll-free number (1-877-722-6725) for people to call for assistance or information if they find or come in contact with the bait.
From January 22, 2024 - January 31, 2024 personnel will distribute approximately 2,160 ORV baits by vehicles in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Area and surrounding communities within the bait zone.
It is recommended that anyone who finds a bait leave it alone to allow wildlife to find it. However, if the bait is intact and out in the open, it can be tossed deeper into the woods or brush where a wild animal is more likely to find it. People should wear gloves, or should use a towel if it is necessary to handle baits and wash their hands afterward.
Pet owners should not attempt to take baits away from their pets as they may be bitten in the process and exposed to the vaccine. Although baits are not harmful to pets, ingestion of a large number of the baits may cause a temporary upset stomach.
Anyone who comes in contact with the liquid vaccine contained within the bait should wash their hands immediately and contact their local health department for further guidance.
Please contact the USDA at 1-866-487-3297 if any questions about the Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program. Additional information is also available at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/programs/nrmp.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
2024 Alabama Cooperator Notification Letter
2024 Baldwin V-RG ORV NOTICE_Letter Size