TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. – From Oct. 1-20, the USDA Wildlife Service’s National Rabies Management Program will be distributing over one million oral rabies vaccination baits for wildlife in the area.
The baiting program is being conducted in part to abate an emergency human health and safety issue associated with rabies.
This is not a new program. It has been occurring annually in Alabama and other states for over 21 years.
It’s not poison. It doesn’t kill deer, nor any other wildlife.
Baits will be dropped from planes and low-flying helicopters and will also be distributed from trucks by ground teams. The bait is intended to be consumed by raccoons and other wildlife.
If you find a bait, leave it where it is unless you need to move it due to its proximity to your home or pets. In such a case, use a glove to toss it into an area of thicker cover where it is more likely to be found by a raccoon.
The USDA reminds you to avoid contact with all wildlife, including juveniles. Rabies is a fatal disease and wildlife infected with rabies does not always show outward symptoms.
Counties receiving this service include the following:
Bibb
Blount
Calhoun
Cherokee
Chilton
Coosa
Cullman
DeKalb
Etowah
Jackson
Jefferson
Madison
Marshall
Morgan
St. Clair
Shelby
Talladega
Tuscaloosa
