USDA to Conduct Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop in Northwest Georgia
CATOOSA COUNTY, GA — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits by aircraft across Catoosa County and surrounding northwest Georgia counties from April 7 to April 15. This initiative is part of the USDA’s nationwide effort to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States.
Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft will be used to distribute more than 500,000 baits containing the RABORAL V-RG vaccine across nearly 3,000 square miles. The small baits are coated with fishmeal crumbles, making them attractive to raccoons and other wildlife. Each bait is labeled with a toll-free number for further information. USDA assures residents the baits are not harmful to pets.
USDA officials advise the public to leave the baits undisturbed to ensure wildlife can consume them. However, if baits are found in areas frequented by people or pets, they may be safely relocated to wooded or brush-covered areas using gloves or a towel. Residents should wash their hands after handling any baits.
This year’s bait drop is scheduled in April due to the postponement of last year’s distribution caused by Hurricane Helene. The usual baiting schedule is expected to resume in October. Helicopter operations will occur from April 12 to April 15, while fixed-wing aircraft drops will take place from April 7 to April 12.
Counties Receiving ORV Baits:
• Catoosa
• Walker
• Dade
• Whitfield
• Murray
• Gordon
• Chattooga
For additional information, residents are encouraged to contact USDA at 1-866-487-3297 or visit the USDA website at https://tinyurl.com/jn9ub9a5.
Stay tuned to Georgia Media Group for further updates.