Waterbury Roundabout: State’s Annual Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop to Begin on Aug. 7

In an effort to combat the spread of rabies in Vermont, officials have implemented a unique method of distributing rabies vaccine to wildlife. The vaccine comes in the form of a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive to raccoons and skunks, two of the most common carriers of the deadly virus. These baits will be strategically placed by hand in residential areas and dropped from low-flying aircraft in rural areas.

When an animal bites into the bait, it swallows the oral vaccine, which helps them develop immunity to rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and is primarily spread through the bite of an infected animal. In Vermont, rabies is most commonly found in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. However, cats, dogs, and livestock can also contract the disease if they have not been vaccinated.

Approximately 300,000 quarter-sized blister packs containing the rabies vaccine will be distributed in Vermont communities across ten counties. This distribution is the second of its kind for some counties, such as Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille, and Grand Isle, where an earlier drop was done in May due to the high prevalence of rabies cases in those areas.

It is important to note that the bait packs are not poisonous and are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife. If you come across a bait pack, it is advised to leave it alone so that it can be consumed by wild animals. The baits are sticky, and human scents left on them may discourage animals from eating them. If the bait needs to be moved, it is recommended to use gloves or a plastic bag. If a pet consumes a bait or if a child brings one home, officials should be notified by calling the Vermont Rabies Hotline.

According to the Health Department, no bats have tested positive for rabies yet this year. However, bat activity typically increases in August and September. If you encounter a bat in your home, it is crucial to contact the rabies hotline for guidance on the necessary steps to take.

Wildlife officials emphasize the importance of leaving wildlife alone, especially baby animals. Interacting with young wildlife can result in them being orphaned by their parents or needing to be tested for rabies, which may require them to be euthanized. The Health Department reported that three young animals, including a fox and two raccoons, tested positive for rabies earlier this year.

Experts advise against touching or picking up wild or stray animals, even baby animals that may appear abandoned. If you see a sick or strange-behaving wild or stray animal, or if you are concerned about a potential rabies exposure, it is recommended to call the Vermont Rabies Hotline for assistance.

In the event of an animal bite, it is important to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact a healthcare provider promptly. If a pet or farm animal is bitten by a wild or stray animal that may have rabies, contacting a veterinarian is essential. Additionally, ensuring that pets and farm animals are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine is crucial, as state law mandates dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies, including barn cats.

To prevent potential exposure to rabies, it is advised to feed pets inside the house and keep them indoors at night. If pets are outdoors during the day, they should be kept on a leash or in an enclosed space to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies. More information, including a list of towns where the bait drop will take place, can be found on the Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop Fact Sheet and the Health Department website.