Lewis County Public Health advises of yearly summer rabies bait vaccine drops

LOWVILLE- The Lewis County and Boonville-Oneida County Fairs are over and that means this is the time of year for Lewis County Public Health to warn residents of the annual rabies vaccine bait drops.

Depending on the weather, these drops will take place for 2025 throughout several local townships from August 1 – 4.

According to public health officials, these Oral Rabies Vaccine baits (ORV) target raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife to help stop further spread of rabies.

The baits will be dropped from low-flying, fixed-wing airplanes over the Black River Valley.

ORV baits are about the size of a single-serving condiment packet, are dyed green, and are coated with a sweet substance to attract raccoons and other wildlife.

It is recommended that anyone who finds a bait leave it alone, or if it 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.

Pubic health advises that people should wear gloves or use a towel if it is necessary to handle baits and wash their hands afterward.

In addition, 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, health officials warn that ingestion of a large number of baits may cause temporary stomach upset.

Any pets that become ill from bait consumption should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Anyone who comes in contact with the liquid vaccine contained within the bait should wash their hands immediately and contact Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453 for further guidance.

Image via Lewis County Public Health.