MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA, Ala. — Can raccoons spread rabies? Yes, and that's why oral rabies vaccine is being distributed across several northeast and north central Alabama county raccoons are getting vaccinated.
How do raccoons get vaccinated?
Baits containing the vaccine are dropped in target areas. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), in urban areas, vaccine packets are distributed by hand from trucks alongside the tree lines. Helicopters are often used to drop baits in more heavily wooded areas that are more difficult to access. In rural areas with heavily-wooded areas, airplanes drop the baits.
The USDA says the vaccine packets (baits) consist of a sachet, or plastic pack, containing the rabies vaccine. The outer shell of the packet is coated with fishmeal or dog meal to attract raccoons. Raccoons are vaccinated by opening the packet with their teeth, which exposes their gums to vaccine.
What counties are affected?
At least a portion of the following counties have been identified as having bait-drop zones: Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, St. Clair, Shelby and Talladega.
What if my pets find a bait? Or I touch one?
ADPH says animal exposures are common, but the vaccine poses no risk of rabies to humans or animals if exposed. Animal reactions are rarely serious and may include some mild digestive upset.If a packet is found, it should be handled with gloves, and either replaced in an area where a raccoon may find it or disposed of in the trash.
Occasionally, skin reactions occur in humans. It is best to avoid direct contact with the skin, eyes or mucous membranes with the vaccine. If exposure occurs accidentally, then it is recommended that the person wash hands with warm water and soap. Should more serious reactions occur, there is a telephone number on the vaccine packet to call for more information.
Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, says that the phone number on the vaccine packet rings to his office. “I understand the concern from citizens and owners when an ORV packet is found in an unintended place or when there is an unintended exposure, but I am hopeful that people keep the big picture in mind, and that is actually reducing the risk of rabies exposures in Alabama by vaccinating raccoons. The vaccine packets have been proven to be very safe by historical data collected from incidental exposures. I believe the ORV program benefits public health, animal welfare and wildlife.”
For more information about the federal ORV usage in Alabama, please contact the USDA at 1-866-4USDA-WS. For more information about rabies exposures, animal or human exposures to the ORV, please call the ADPH at (334) 206-5969.
