"Efficient Aerial Vaccination Program Safeguards Eastern U.S. from Raccoon Rabies Outbreaks"

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been dropping millions of oral rabies vaccines across fourteen states, primarily along the eastern seaboard, to control the spread of rabies in raccoons. The program, which includes distributing bait from low-flying planes, has been successful in stopping the geographic spread of rabies in the eastern U.S. The long-term goal is to eradicate raccoon rabies entirely. The bait is made palatable to raccoons with flavors like fish and vanilla, but other animals can also pick it up. While raccoons are the primary reservoir for rabies, skunks, bats, and other mammals can also contract the disease. Eradicating all rabies in the U.S. remains a challenge, particularly with bats, but education and immediate treatment for exposures are important tools for keeping people safe.