Efforts to combat the spread of rabies in North Carolina are gaining momentum as the state collaborates with federal agencies to distribute oral vaccines for wildlife. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has launched a campaign to vaccinate wild raccoons against rabies, starting this April in western regions of the state. This initiative was originally scheduled for October 2025 but faced delays due to a federal government shutdown.
As part of the oral rabies vaccination program, the initiative aims to prevent the westward spread of raccoon rabies beyond the Appalachian Mountains. From April 8 to April 25, oral rabies vaccines will be deployed via aerial methods across Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey counties. Additional distribution by helicopter and hand will occur in the Asheville area between April 13 and April 16.
“We are excited to partner with USDA on this important program to prevent the spread of rabies,” stated Emily Herring, NCDHHS Public Health Veterinarian. “North Carolinians can continue to do their part by making sure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccines and avoiding contact with wildlife.”
The vaccine baits, designed to immunize animals upon consumption, are encased in small packets with a fishmeal coating to attract raccoons. Upon biting into these baits, the vaccine is released into the raccoon’s mouth, stimulating an immune response that produces antibodies to protect against rabies infection.
These baits pose no risk to humans, pets, or wildlife. However, the USDA Wildlife Services advises individuals to take certain precautions if they or their pets encounter a bait:
- If a bait is found on your property, move it to an area where raccoons can easily find it, but pets cannot. Wear gloves or use a towel when handling the bait due to its strong fishmeal odor.
- Ingesting the bait is harmless for pets, but multiple ingestions may cause mild stomach upset.
- Avoid removing an oral rabies vaccine packet from your pet’s mouth to prevent bites.
- Wash your hands with soap and water if there is any chance the vaccine packet has ruptured.
- Children should be instructed to leave baits alone. If ingested, contact your local health department or the number on the bait (1-877-722-6725). To date, no cases of human ingestion have been reported.
- Ruptured baits should be disposed of in regular trash bins using gloves. In case of contact with the liquid vaccine, wash hands thoroughly and seek further instructions.
In North Carolina, rabies is primarily found in wild animals, posing a risk to humans and domestic animals alike. In 2025, over 4,000 animals underwent rabies testing at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, with approximately 6% testing positive. Raccoons, the principal wildlife reservoir for rabies in the state, accounted for most positive cases. Rabies remains fatal in mammals, including humans, once symptoms appear, making vaccination efforts crucial in controlling the disease’s spread.
Though the oral rabies vaccine is approved for wildlife use, it is deemed safe for domestic animals. However, state law mandates that domestic pets such as dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and receive regular boosters thereafter.
The distribution of oral rabies vaccines is anticipated to conclude by April 25, contingent on weather conditions and other factors. Post-distribution, Wildlife Services will monitor raccoon populations and track rabies-positive cases.
For more information on the National Rabies Management Program, visit the USDA website. Additional details about the oral rabies vaccine program are available on the NCDHHS Division of Public Health webpage.
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