Distribution Method: Using aircraft and helicopters, the USDA distributes millions of small vaccine-laden baits across large areas where raccoon populations are dense and rabies is a concern.
Vaccine Baits: The baits are made of fishmeal or other attractive substances to lure raccoons and other target animals. Inside the bait is a small sachet containing the oral rabies vaccine.
Geographic Focus: Initially focused on the eastern United States, where raccoon rabies is endemic. Expanded to other regions as needed to address the spread of the disease.
Disease Control: By vaccinating wildlife, the campaign aims to create a barrier to rabies transmission, reducing the risk to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
Cost-Effectiveness: Preventing rabies outbreaks through vaccination is more cost-effective than managing rabies cases and outbreaks, which involve expensive treatments and public health interventions.
Wildlife Conservation: Maintaining healthy wildlife populations by preventing rabies contributes to overall ecosystem stability and biodiversity.