Department of Health
John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, Commissioner

Raccoon rabies is found throughout the atlantic and southeastern states. It is a viral infection that can affect the nervous system of any mammal, including humans. The disease is almost always fatal to both people and animals. Raccoon rabies spreads rapidly and infects large numbers of raccoons. The disease often spreads to other wildlife and pets, making human exposure a real concern. To address this problem, the USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services and the Tennessee Department of Health are participating in a combined federal and state agency program, to keep this animal epidemic from spreading further westward by eliminating raccoon rabies in northeastern Tennessee counties.

The oral rabies vaccine bait, shown here, consists of a square block made from a compressed mixture of fishmeal and fish oil known to attract raccoons. The vaccine (dyed pink) is inside a plastic packet that is inserted in the middle of the block. Baits are distributed from vehicles or airplanes. Most of the baits will be consumed about five days after being distributed. People should tell their children to leave the baits alone. Pet owners are asked to keep their dogs and cats inside or on leashes so raccoons can eat the baits.

It is not harmful to touch an intact bait, but the fish oil and odor on the bait may get on your fingers. Wear gloves or protect your hands if the bait has broken open or is damaged or leaking by using a paper towel or plastic bag to pick it up. As a precaution, wash your hands thoroughly after any direct contact with the bait.

Leave it alone. However, if the bait is intact and out in the open or where contact by pets or children is possible, wearing a glove, toss it into deeper cover.

It is not harmful if your pet consumes a small quantity of baits. Because additional baits may have been dropped nearby, check the area for more. Any other baits can be removed and placed in areas more likely to be found by a raccoon than a pet.

The vaccine is not harmful to wild animals or pets. Although the exposure risk to humans is very slight, the following information is important:

• Be aware of what a bait looks like.
• Encourage children to leave the baits alone.
• Keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes at least five days after your area has been baited.
• Do not attempt to take a bait away from your pet; you may be bitten!
• Wash your hands or exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water if you touch the bait or the liquid vaccine inside the bait.

The bait has a strong fish odor and is usually unappealing to children. It is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine. The vaccine contains only a single gene from the outer layer of the rabies virus which is combined with a milder virus called vaccinia. People with certain medical conditions, such as an immunodeficency problem, may be prone to a local virus infection from the vaccinia if the vaccine (pink liquid) gets into an open wound, or contacts a mucus membrane such as the eyes. Rinsing the eyes or using soap and water to wash any skin area exposed to the vaccine can prevent this. Please call the Tennessee Department of Health at 1-615-741-7247 or USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services at 1-615-736-2247 if you are exposed to the vaccine or need advice.

No, this vaccine is approved only for use in wildlife. A veterinarian, in accordance with state and local regulations, should vaccinate your pets. Regular pet vaccination is essential to protect your pet against rabies.

A raccoon is vaccinated by eating a bait containing the vaccine. The raccoon will develop antibodies in two to three weeks that will protect it if it is exposed to another infected raccoon. If enough raccoons are vaccinated, the risk of the spread of rabies will be greatly reduced.

The bait is intended for wild animals – specifically raccoons. Everyone can help by keeping their pets inside or on leashes during the baiting time and for about five days afterwards. This will help to prevent your pet from getting the baits and gives raccoons a chance to eat the baits.

• Do not attempt to take a bait away from your pet! That is the same as taking any food away from an animal. You may be bitten!
• Never handle a partially eaten or damaged bait with bare hands. Baits may be picked up while wearing gloves or with a plastic bag or towel.
• Damaged baits should be placed in a baggie and disposed of in normal trash.
• If you contact either the bait or the liquid vaccine, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Immediately call your physician and the Tennessee Department of Health if you develop a rash after contact with a bait.
• Please call the USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services 1-615-736-2247 or the Tennessee Department of Health at 1-615-741-7247 if you need advice.

• Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious!
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.
• Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, or ferrets against rabies. Keep pet vaccinations up-to-date.
• Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard.
• Feed your pets indoors; never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife.
• Call your doctor and your local health department for advice if an animal bites or claws you. Report the incident immediately!

The Oral Rabies Vaccination Project is conducted by the Tennessee Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U S Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (USDA/APHIS/WS).