Rabies bait drops begin today in Mahoning Valley

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced the start of its spring oral rabies vaccination campaign in northeast Ohio, including the Mahoning Valley, beginning today. The effort aims to immunize wild raccoons against rabies.

Approximately 271,000 vaccine-laden baits will be distributed by air and ground in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Ashtabula counties between today and May 20, weather permitting, according to the ODH.

The program began in 1996 after a new strain of raccoon rabies was introduced into the region of Pennsylvania. The ODH, along with other state and local agencies, partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services on the initiative. Authorities say the effort has created a barrier of immune animals, reduced rabies cases and preventing its spread further into Ohio.

The baits, containing the ONRAB vaccine, are about one inch by two inches with a dark green, sweet-smelling waxy coating. The vaccine inside does not contain the live rabies virus but includes a gene that prompts raccoons and skunks to produce protective antibodies.

While the bait drops are targeted for raccoon habitats, some baits may be found in yards. The ODH advises residents to leave intact baits undisturbed if possible. If bait is in an area accessible to pets or children, it can be moved to a less accessible location using gloves or a paper towel. Damaged baits should be placed in a bag and disposed of in the trash.

Pet owners are advised that ingesting the vaccine is not harmful to pets, though consuming a large number of baits might cause temporary vomiting or diarrhea. Contacting a veterinarian is recommended as a precaution if a pet eats bait. Owners should avoid their pet's saliva for 24 hours if they have encountered bait and wash any exposed skin.

The oral rabies vaccine is specifically for wildlife, and pet owners should continue to vaccinate their domestic animals against rabies.