Vaccine Distribution: The USDA uses aircraft and helicopters to drop specially designed bait that contains the oral rabies vaccine. In areas that are not easily accessible by air, the bait is distributed by hand.
Bait Composition: The bait is made to be attractive to wildlife. It typically contains fishmeal or other flavors that appeal to the target animals. The vaccine itself is encased in a small packet within the bait.
Mechanism: When an animal consumes the bait, it punctures the vaccine packet, thereby ingesting the vaccine. This triggers an immune response, providing the animal with immunity against rabies.
Monitoring and Effectiveness: The USDA monitors the effectiveness of this program through wildlife surveillance and testing. This helps ensure that the vaccine distribution is reaching the target populations and effectively controlling the spread of rabies.
Humane and Non-Invasive: This method is a humane way to vaccinate wildlife without the need for trapping or handling animals, which can be stressful and dangerous for both animals and humans.
Prevents Disease Spread: By controlling rabies in wildlife, this program helps protect other animals and humans from this deadly disease. Rabies can be transmitted to domestic pets and humans, making it a significant public health concern.