Starting Monday, January 22, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is scheduled to begin distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in Alabama via low-flying airplanes and helicopters to vaccinate raccoons against the rabies virus. These baits are about the size of a matchbox and are coated with fishmeal flavoring giving them a strong fish smell attractive to raccoons.
The USDA has notified the City of Gulf Shores that we are being included in this statewide distribution plan. From January 22 to January 31, personnel will distribute approximately 2,160 ORV baits by vehicles in Gulf Shores and surrounding communities within the bait zone (View the bait zone here: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13038/2024BaldwinMap).
Here's what you need to know:
What if I find a rabies vaccine?
If you find ORV baits, leave them alone unless they are where children or pets play. To move ORV baits safely, you should:
- Wear gloves or use a paper towel or plastic bag when picking up the baits.
- Toss intact baits into a wooded area or other raccoon habitat.
- Bag and dispose of any damaged baits in the trash.
- Take precautions by practicing proper hygiene – wash with soap and water any skin or wounds that may have come into contact with ORV baits, especially if the bait was damaged.
What if my pet eats the bait?
- Don’t panic! A few baits are not harmful, though eating a large number may cause an upset stomach.
- Do not risk getting bitten or being exposed to the vaccine by taking a bait away from your pet.
- Check the area for more baits and relocate any remaining baits to a wooded area.
- If your pet eats a bait, avoid your pet’s saliva for 24 hours, and wash skin or wounds that may have been licked.
What if I find a bait and have questions or concerns?
If you have questions or concerns about an ORV bait you have found, please call one of the following:
- Rabies Information line at 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297)
- Alabama Department of Public Health at: 1-800-ALA-1818 (1-800-151-1818)
Additional information can be found at the links below: