NORTH LIMA, Ohio - If you see low-flying planes or helicopters dropping something over the Valley beginning this week, it’s probably part of an effort to control the spread of rabies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin distributing oral rabies vaccine baits for wildlife in parts of eastern Ohio and surrounding states.

ORV baits will be distributed using fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters, or from vehicles on the ground.

The project based out of North Lima will take place from July 31 through most of August. Beginning July 31st, USDA staff will distribute baits by vehicle in several towns, including Hubbard, Lisbon, Warren, and Youngstown. 

Baits will also be dispersed by helicopter in urban and suburban areas of eastern Ohio during the second week of August, including Boardman, Canfield, Cortland, East Liverpool, Girard, Salem, Warren, and Youngstown.

From approximately August 18-23, baits will be distributed by fixed-wing airplanes in rural areas of eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, including large portions of Ashtabula, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning, Monroe, Portage, and Trumbull counties.

Approximately 500,000 baits will be distributed in Ohio alone.

The vaccine distribution campaign in Ohio will use an ORV bait called ONRAB. The vaccine, which is contained in a blister pack, is covered in a waxy green coating that has a sugar-vanilla smell. The odor attracts targeted wild animals, such as raccoons, who eat the baits and are then vaccinated against rabies.

The vaccine baits have been proven safe in many species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats, according to agricultural experts.

Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits. If found, leave the bait undisturbed. If a person has contact with bait, experts recommend that the contact area be immediately rinsed with warm water and soap.

If a pet eats several baits, the pet may experience vomiting or diarrhea.