In an effort to curb the spread of rabies among wildlife, North Carolina is implementing an extensive vaccine distribution strategy. Starting in early October, the state’s Health and Human Services Department will collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to disperse oral rabies vaccines targeting raccoons in the western regions of the state.
The oral rabies vaccination initiative, which began in the 1990s, aims to prevent the westward migration of raccoon rabies beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This year, the program plans to distribute approximately 600,000 vaccine baits throughout North Carolina. From October 5-9, hand distribution will commence in Asheville, while helicopter drops will cover urban and suburban areas, including Burnsville, Mars Hill, and Waynesville between October 9-13. Low-flying aircraft will then deploy baits from October 15-22 across several counties, including Ashe, Avery, and Buncombe, among others.
“The best way to prevent rabies is to ensure pets and mammals that are intended to be in public contact are vaccinated,” stated Dr. Carl Williams, NCDHHS Public Health Veterinarian. “Vaccinating the animals in and around our home adds another layer of protection against the spread of this deadly disease.”
The vaccine baits, comprising a sachet or plastic packet, deliver an oral vaccine when consumed by animals. To attract raccoons, these packets are either coated with fishmeal or embedded in fishmeal–polymer blocks. Upon biting into the bait, the vaccine is released into the animal’s mouth, prompting an immune response that protects against rabies.
Human and pet encounters with intact baits pose no risk. However, the USDA Wildlife Services has outlined several precautions:
- If you or your pet encounter a bait, leave it unless it’s on your property, such as a lawn or driveway. In such cases, move the bait to a more concealed area.
- Use gloves or a towel when handling baits due to their strong fishmeal odor.
- Consumption of baits is not harmful to pets, but multiple ingestions may cause minor stomach upset.
- Avoid removing a vaccine packet from your pet’s mouth to prevent bites.
- Wash hands thoroughly if there’s any chance of contact with a ruptured vaccine packet.
- Advise children to avoid baits. If ingested, contact local health authorities or call the number on the bait (1-877-722-6725). No human ingestion incidents have been reported to date.
- Discard broken baits using gloves and a plastic bag. Wash hands if exposed to the vaccine liquid and contact health services for advice.
World Rabies Day, observed annually on September 28, highlights the importance of rabies awareness and prevention. In North Carolina, rabies is predominantly found in wild animals, posing risks to both humans and domestic animals.
Earlier this year, North Carolina addressed a significant rabies exposure incident involving baby goats at a mobile petting zoo. Although livestock rabies vaccination isn’t mandatory, it is recommended for animals in public contact. The NCDHHS and local health bodies responded efficiently to ensure rabies post-exposure prophylaxis was available.
The NCDHHS State Laboratory of Public Health handles rabies testing in North Carolina, evaluating around 3,500 animals annually. In 2025, nearly 4,000 animals were tested, with raccoons having the most positive cases. Rabies remains fatal in mammals once symptoms appear, but increasing vaccination rates can help control its spread.
Though the oral rabies vaccine is safe for domestic animals, it is approved only for wildlife use. Pets should receive annual rabies vaccinations from a veterinarian, as mandated by North Carolina law, which requires vaccinations by four months of age.
The vaccine distribution is projected to conclude by late October, contingent on weather and other factors. Post-distribution, Wildlife Services will continue monitoring raccoon populations and rabies-positive locations.
For more details on the National Rabies Management Program, visit the USDA website. Further information about the oral rabies vaccine program is available on the NCDHHS Division of Public Health webpage.
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