An oral bait vaccination program against rabies begins in New York

Soon you will see low-flying planes and helicopters in the skies over New York State.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services program begins distributing oral rabies vaccine baits in New York State.

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Weather permitting, ORV bait will be distributed by air throughout the state in August, beginning in Jefferson County August 2-6. The bait distribution in New York is part of a nationwide, cooperative USDA effort to prevent the westward spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States.

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Last year, planes and helicopters conducted their first air drops in late July, followed by the distribution of bottom baits.

Helicopter distribution will begin approximately July 30 through August 3, depending on weather conditions. Ground bait distribution in urban and suburban areas of Erie County will occur approximately July 29 through August 3. Fixed-wing aircraft will be used approximately August 15 through August 17 in western New York counties: Erie, Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming, also depending on weather conditions. Each year, the USDA distributes approximately one million baits throughout New York.

Health department officials warn people not to touch these tablets if they fall. If you come into contact with one of these packets, you must call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Hotline (888) 574-6656 with any questions or concerns.

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Most packets are eaten by wildlife within four days; almost all baits are gone within a week. If packets are not found and eaten, they dissolve without causing harm and the released vaccine is inactivated.

If you must transport a vaccine packet, wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick it up. Throw damaged baits in the trash; throw intact baits in a wooded area for wildlife to eat.