Rabies Vaccine Bait Dropped Statewide in Alabama Following Horse Case
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama health officials are advising caution after a horse tested positive for rabies, coinciding with the ongoing statewide distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) packets intended for raccoons. Aircraft are currently deploying the vaccine bait across the state as part of a preventative measure to control the spread of the disease.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is conducting the aerial distribution of the ORV packets. These packets, designed to be consumed by raccoons, pose no risk of rabies to humans or animals if encountered.
Residents who find a packet are advised to leave it undisturbed for wildlife to discover. If handling is unavoidable, officials recommend using gloves and either placing the packet in an area accessible to raccoons or disposing of it in the trash. While rare, skin reactions can occur in humans from direct contact with the vaccine; washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water is recommended after accidental exposure. More serious reactions should be reported by calling the number printed on the vaccine packet to reach State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W.Jones.
“I understand the concern from citizens and owners when an ORV packet is found in an unintended place or when ther 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,” Dr.Jones said. “The vaccine packets have been proven to be very safe by past data collected from incidental exposures. I believe the ORV program benefits public health, animal welfare and wildlife.”
The ORV program is a long-standing effort to prevent the spread of rabies in Alabama’s wildlife population.
For more information, contact the USDA at 1-866-487-3297 or the Alabama Department of Public Health at 1-800-338-8374. Additional details are available on the APHIS website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies.
