10/12/2025
For over 20 years, the USDA has worked to combat rabies in Alabama and other states by distributing an oral rabies vaccine intended for consumption by wildlife. This annual endeavor will begin tomorrow (10/10) in parts of Autauga, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Coosa, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair, Shelby, and Talladega counties, and will last for about 3 weeks.
The RABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine (ORV) will be distributed across an approximately 14,000 square-kilometer bait zone in Northeast and North Central Alabama, targeting raccoons and other wildlife. These baits will be distributed by low-flying airplanes and helicopters.
The ORV baits to be aerially distributed over the majority of the bait zone are plastic packets of vaccine coated with an oily, fish-scented substance to attract raccoons and other rabies vector species. 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.
From October 10, 2025-October 16, 2025, USDA personnel will distribute approximately 31,320 ORV baits from trucks in the Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding communities within the bait zone. The ORV baits used for hand baiting the urban/suburban areas are square blocks made of fishmeal and fish oil. The vaccine is contained inside of a plastic packet in the hollow center of the block. Each of these fishmeal baits is also imprinted with the toll-free phone number to report bait contacts.
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.
THANK YOU, USDA, for this work to manage disease in wildlife populations!
