Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – USDA-APHIS will begin their annual distribution of oral rabies vaccine for wildlife.  Dates for this year’s distribution are August 14 – 20 (in the northern panhandle by helicopter) and August 25-September 3 in the interior of West Virginia by low flying aircraft.  Hand baiting by truck will be conducted in urban areas.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services program (USDA-WS) will distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in the Northern Panhandle beginning on or about August 14^th to vaccinate raccoons against the rabies virus. Bait distribution in West Virginia is part of a nationwide, cooperative effort by USDA to prevent the westward spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States. The baiting program is being conducted in part to abate an emergency human health and safety issue associated with rabies. Implementation of this program in West Virginia is a cooperative effort between USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Virginia Department of Health, and other agencies.

Beginning on or about August 14^th, coated sachet baits containing the RABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine (ORV) will be distributed across the northern panhandle and other areas in West Virginia targeting raccoons and other wildlife. These baits will be distributed by low-flying airplanes, vehicles and helicopter (if applicable) throughout a vaccination area that includes counties in the Northern Panhandle.

The aerial bait drop is expected to last for about 1 week. When ORV baits are distributed by aircraft, a navigator controls the bait machine and turns off the machine as necessary to avoid dropping baits on roadways, structures, large bodies of water, etc. From August 25^th personnel will distribute ORV baits by vehicles in suburban and developed areas within the bait zone. The ORV baits to be distributed throughout the bait zone are plastic packets of vaccine coated with an oily, fish-scented substance to attract raccoons. Each bait is marked with a toll-free number (1-877-722-6725) for people to call for assistance or information if they find or come in contact with a bait.

It is recommended that anyone who finds a bait leave it alone to allow wildlife to find it.  However, if a bait is intact and out in the open, it can be tossed deeper into the woods or brush where a wild animal is more likely to find it. People should wear gloves or use a towel if it is necessary to handle baits and wash their hands afterward. Pet owners should not attempt to take baits away from their pets, as they may be bitten in the process and exposed to the vaccine. Although baits are not harmful to pets, ingestion of a large number of baits may cause temporary stomach upset. Anyone who comes in contact with the liquid vaccine contained within the bait should wash their hands immediately and contact their local health department for further guidance.

Please contact the USDA at 1-866-487-3297 if you have any questions about the Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program.