Mahoning Valley - The U.S. Department of Agriculture and several other agencies have announced plans to distribute oral rabies vaccine baits for wildlife in the Valley.

The distribution begins next week, by airplanes, helicopters, and vehicles. The vaccine bait is contained in a blister pack, and is covered in a green coating that smells like vanilla. The smell of the bait attracts wild animals, who then eat the bait and are then vaccinated against rabies.

Approximately 500,000 baits will be distributed across Ohio. Locally, the baits will be distributed by vehicle in East Palestine, Hubbard, Lisbon, Newton Falls and Warren.

Places receiving the vaccine baits by helicopter include Cortland, East Liverpool, Salem, Steubenville, Warren and Youngstown.

Baits will also be distributed by airplane in rural areas of Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties.

The vaccines have been proven safe for domestic animals, so if your dog or cat consumes a bait, it won't harm them. If you have contact with one of the baits, rinse the are with water and soap as soon as possible.

This USDA National Rabies Management Program is done in partnership with Wildlife Services, the Ohio Department of Health, and several county health departments.