Raccoon Rabies Control Program

Suffolk County Department of Health Services is conducting a Racoon Rabies Control Program in response to the reappearance of terrestrial rabies in Suffolk County. The program includes enhanced surveillance of the raccoon population to identify areas where the disease may be present, and distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in the Towns of Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown and Islip to prevent the spread of rabies. The baits contain a vaccine that, when consumed by a raccoon, will vaccinate the animal against the rabies virus. The goal of the Racoon Rabies Control Program is containment and elimination of terrestrial rabies in local wild animal populations.

The Raccoon Rabies Control Program is conducted as a cooperative effort between the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program.

Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) – What You Need to Know

How does ORV work?

Using our knowledge of raccoon foraging behaviors, ORV baits are distributed in areas where the animals are able to find them. The baits consist of a sachet, or plastic packet, containing the rabies vaccine that, when consumed by a raccoon, will vaccinate the animal against the rabies virus. To make the baits attractive, the packets are sprinkled with a fishmeal coating. When a raccoon bites into a bait, the vaccine packet is punctured allowing the vaccine into the animal’s mouth. The raccoon’s immune system is then tricked into thinking it has been exposed to the rabies virus and makes antibodies to fight the disease. The blueprint on how to make these antibodies is stored in the raccoon’s immune system, allowing its body to respond should it be exposed to a rabid animal.

As the number of vaccinated animals in the population increases, they act as a buffer to stop the spread of the disease to other wildlife, domestic animals, and people. The status of raccoons and locations of rabies-positive cases is continuously monitored to determine the program’s effectiveness.

Where and when is ORV bait being distributed?

The baits will be distributed in the four western Towns of Suffolk County, including within incorporated Villages. Only these towns are targeted because rabies positive raccoons have been found in western Suffolk (and Nassau County), but not in eastern Suffolk. ORV distribution locations are chosen to create a barrier of vaccinated animals which will prevent the eastward spread of rabies virus.

Bait distribution is scheduled to begin on September 2 and will take place Monday - Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. All baits are expected to be distributed within the month of September.

How is ORV bait being distributed?

Department of Health Services staff will toss ORV bait sachets by hand from slow-moving, marked county vehicles into sumps, storm drains, woods, shrubs and hedges in residential areas, and any other locations that raccoons may frequent. The baits are designed to primarily attract raccoons, which will vaccinate them against rabies if the bait is eaten. Up to 250,000 baits will be distributed throughout the baiting area. No disruption to businesses or residents will occur during bait distribution.

What does the bait look like?

The baits are the size and shape of a ketchup packet and are sprinkled with a fishmeal coating that has an unpleasant odor, but which raccoons love! The baits are designed to primarily attract raccoons, and are not harmful to humans or pets. The label on each bait packet reads “RABIES VACCINE LIVE VACCINIA VECTOR DO NOT DISTURB 1-877-722-6725”. The phone number connects you to the vaccine manufacturer.

Can I get rabies from contact with the vaccine?

No. The vaccine cannot cause rabies.

What if an ORV bait is found near my home?

It’s best to leave it alone unless the bait is on your lawn, driveway, or other area where a child or pet might find it. In that case, move it to a wooded area or other location with thicker cover. Wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to protect your hands. If you need to dispose of the bait rather than move it, place the bait in a bag. Cover the bait with 1:10 dilution of household bleach, wipe down affected areas with the bleach solution, and place cleaning materials in the bag with the bait. Then dispose of the bag in the regular trash. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

Why do I need to wear gloves when handling an ORV bait?

An intact bait won’t harm you, but it’s difficult to know if the bait may be leaking vaccine while on the ground. If you come into contact with the liquid vaccine contained within the bait, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and call the number listed on the bait or the Bureau of Public Health Protection at (631) 852-5999 for further information.

What if my child eats or handles the ORV bait?

It is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine. An intact bait is not harmful if handled, but the affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. If a child bites through the bait packet, there is a very low risk of side effects from contact with the liquid vaccine, such as rash, fever or headache. Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

What if my pet eats an ORV bait?

If your pet finds a bait, don’t try to remove it from their mouth—you may get bitten. The vaccine cannot cause rabies and is safe if eaten by domestic dogs and cats. Eating a large number of baits may cause your pet to have an upset stomach temporarily, but there are no long-term health risks.

Can I use the ORV bait to vaccinate my dog or cat

No. These vaccines are only approved for use in wildlife. Your pet should be vaccinated by a veterinarian per New York State and local laws.

How long do ORV baits last in the environment?

Most baits are eaten within 4 days, and almost all baits are gone in 1 week. Any remaining baits will dissolve in the environment, exposing the vaccine packet. Sunlight and air will inactivate the vaccine.

Questions about ORV or bait you have found?

Call the USDA Rabies Information Line at 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297)
Call the rabies vaccine manufacturer at 1-877-RABORAL (1-877-722-6725)
Call the SCDHS Bureau of Public Health Protection at (631) 852-5999

For more information on rabies, visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/, or the USDA Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies.