Beginning July 29 and running through September 15, the Allegheny County Health Department and USDA Wildlife Services will distribute raccoon rabies vaccine baits across Allegheny County. Baits will be delivered both by hand from ground vehicles, by helicopter, and by fixed wing airplane. This effort helps reduce raccoon rabies, as well as human and pet exposures to rabid animals.
What if I find rabies baits?
Baits should be left alone – but intact baits can be moved if they are found where children and pets play. Damaged baits should be bagged and disposed in the trash.
• Wear gloves or use a plastic bag when picking up the baits.
• Toss intact baits into a fencerow, woodlot, ditch, or other raccoon habitat areas.
• Wash your hands after any skin contact with a bait.
What if my pet eats a bait?
• A few baits are not harmful, although eating a lot may cause vomiting or diarrhea.
• Do not risk getting bitten by taking a bait away from your pet.
• Confine your pet for a couple of days and check the area for more baits.
• If your pet eats a bait, avoid your pet’s saliva for 24 hours, and wash skin or wounds that may have been licked.
For information about the oral rabies baiting program, contact:
USDA Wildlife Services: 1-866-487-3297
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: 1-717-772-2852 Pennsylvania Department of Health Information Line: 1-877-PA Health Erie County Department of Health: 1-814-451-6700
Allegheny County Department of Health: 1-412-350-4046
For more information about this program, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit: http://www.achd.net/raccoon/ or for information concerning accidental contact with baits, call 1-877-722-6725.