The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to distribute oral rabies vaccine bait for wildlife in the Valley.

The distribution begins July 29th and will run through most of August. The bait is green, contained in a blister pack and scented. The smell attracts wild animals, who eat the bait and are then vaccinated against rabies.

On Monday, the USDA will start distributing the bait first by vehicle in East Palestine, Hubbard, Lisbon, Warren, and Youngstown. During the second week of August, USDA staff will use a helicopter to disperse bait in Cortland, East Liverpool, Salem, Steubenville, Warren, and Youngstown. The department will utilize an airplane to distribute baits from August 17th to 22nd in portions of Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties.

Around 350,000 baits will be distributed across the state of Ohio.

The USDA says the vaccine bait is safe for domestic animals, so there is no need for concern if a dog or cat consumes one. If a human touches a bait, the USDA suggests to rinse the area with soap and water as soon as possible.

The vaccine bait distribution plan is a collaboration between the USDA, Wildlife Services, the Ohio Department of Health, and county health departments.