Photo of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits
Beginning on, or about, April 2, USDA Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits. This will occur in portions of Southwest Virginia. Specifically, the areas of:
- Abingdon
- Bland
- Bristol
- Giles
- Grayson
- Russell
- Smyth
- Tazewell
- Washington
- Wythe
If you or a pet find an ORV bait
If your pet finds an ORV bait, do not try to remove the bait from your pet’s mouth. You could be bitten. Eating the baits will not harm your pet. Confine your pet and look for other baits in the area. Remove any bait from areas where your pet could eat them.
Instruct children to leave baits alone. Wear gloves or use a towel when you pick up any bait. Although there is no harm in touching an undamaged bait, they have a strong fishmeal smell. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if there is any chance that the ORV packet has been ruptured.
Call to report a bait exposure
The ORV baits which will be distributed are “coated sachets.” They are a plastic packet of vaccine coated with a sticky, scented substance to attract raccoons. Each packet is marked with a toll-free number. Call 877-722-6725 if you come into contact with a bait and need help or information.
If a person or pet is exposed to the vaccine within the bait, also call the number on the bait and report the bait contact. Again, that number is 877-722-6725.
More information about the program
Please contact USDA for any questions about the USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program. They can be reached at (540) 230-7067. More information about the program can be found on the USDA website.