USDA scattering fish-flavored rabies vaccines throughout eastern US to prevent raccoon outbreaks

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this month announced the start of its annual raccoon rabies vaccination plan, one in which fish-flavored anti-rabies provisions are spread throughout parts of the U.S., in some cases by airplane. 

The USDA said in a press release earlier this month that it was beginning its "annual distribution of RABORAL V-RG®, an oral rabies vaccine bait, in select areas in the eastern United States to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies into America's heartland."

The agency said the bait will be distributed "across rural areas by airplane and in suburban or urban areas by helicopter, vehicle and bait station."

"ORV baits are coated with a fishmeal attractant and are packaged in two-inch plastic sachets or one-inch square cubes," the press release said. 

States within the distribution network include Massachusetts, West Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama.