Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Baiting
August 5 - 12 throughout Allegheny County
The Allegheny County Health Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services partner to distribute vaccine-containing baits from August 3 through August 17 across Allegheny County. Baits will be delivered by hand and from vehicles in every municipality of the County. There are two types of bait, one is a plastic sachet (looks like a ketchup packet) coated in fish meal, the other is a plastic sachet enclosed in fish meal block. The fish scent attracts the raccoons who consume the bait and vaccine, resulting in the development of antibodies to the rabies virus.
The risk of adverse effects to humans and animals due to exposure to the vaccine is minimal, but we urge the public to avoid contact with the bait if possible. If a stray bait must be moved, it should be picked up using rubber or latex gloves or a shovel. We are also asking the public to keep their dogs on a leash, indoors, or confined to their property as much as possible during baiting and the week after.
Allegheny County Raccoon & Rabies Brochure link