Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is dropping rabies vaccines from the air in six states to prevent the spread of rabies among animals. This effort is part of a larger plan that started in August and aims to protect both people and animals from the disease, which is usually spread through animal bites.
Key Facts
- The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is leading this vaccine distribution.
- The states receiving the airdropped vaccines are Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Rabies is a viral disease that can be very dangerous if not treated before symptoms start.
- Rabies vaccines are dropped as baits, which are safe for most animals, including dogs and cats.
- If dogs eat multiple baits, they may get a temporary upset stomach, but it's not harmful long-term.
- People should wash their hands with soap and water if they touch the baits and move them carefully with gloves if necessary.
- Earlier this year, vaccine airdrops occurred in Maine, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and are continuing in Massachusetts.
- Raccoons are the main carriers of rabies in many of these states, although skunks are more common carriers in Tennessee.
