USDA to begin ‘dropping’ rabies vaccine via aircraft across North Georgia

Beginning Monday, North Georgia might notice heightened aircraft activity. The USDA and Georgia Department of Natural Resources will begin dropping rabies vaccines for raccoons and other wildlife.

According to information from the USDA, helicopters will begin dropping the raccoon baits containing the vaccine in urban and residential areas on Monday.

The project will distribute more than 880,000 baits by helicopter and airplane.

From the USDA: “The RABORAL V-RG vaccine is safe for more than 60 different species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits, but should leave them undisturbed if they encounter them. Dogs that consume large numbers of baits may experience an upset stomach, but no long-term health risks. If adults or children come in contact with baits, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap.”

Anyone with questions, or in the event of human or pet contact with the bait/vaccine, can call the Northwest Georgia Department of Public Health at (706) 295-6650 or the USDA/Wildlife Services at (706) 546-5637.