Alert from Portage County Health District about rabies control in wild animals
The Portage County Health District is alerting Portage County residents that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Wildlife Services Program, in cooperation with several local health departments, and the Ohio Department of Health will begin distributing an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait by ground and aircraft to vaccinate raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes in Eastern Ohio.
Portage County is among the locations that will be baited. Additionally, baiting will take place in Ashtabula, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Baits are about the size of a matchbox and are coated with fishmeal flavoring or a sweet vanilla wax. ORV baits can be distributed by airplane, helicopter or vehicle. Contingent on good weather, the operation should be completed by September 16, 2025.
Although the chance for an exposure incident is considered remote, please be familiar with the products and know what to look for in the event of a vaccine exposure.