GEORGIA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is dropping oral rabies vaccine baits across north Georgia.
The rabies vaccine drop, by plane, started on Oct. 20, according to local officials from the North Georgia Health District. An earlier helicopter-based vaccination effort began on Oct. 7.
The initiative is a joint effort between the USDA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Health and more.
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Over the next few days, aerial bait drops will distribute more than 500,000 vaccine baits across the region.
Officials said the baits are small packets with liquid vaccine inside, coated with an oily, fish-scented substance meant to attract raccoons.
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Each bait also has a toll-free information number on it, according to the health department.
The rabies vaccine drop zone is spread out across more than 7,000 kilometers, according to officials, covering parts of Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker and Whitfield counties.
Anyone who comes across a bait is urged to leave it alone so wildlife can find it.
If a bait is found out in the open and intact, officials said it can be tossed deeper into the woods or brush.
If someone does do that, they should wear gloves or use a towel, otherwise they’ll need to wash their hands immediately after handling the bait.
If a pet ingests a large number of baits, the animals could experience temporary stomach upset, but the baits are not harmful to pets, according to the USDA.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to call 1-866-487-3297 to speak with the USDA about the oral vaccination program.
You can track the ORV status through an online dashboard here.
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