Karen Burkes, Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Karen Burkes, Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, has commenced its annual oral rabies vaccination program in Western North Carolina. The initiative, aimed at preventing and eliminating rabies spread, involves the distribution of oral vaccines for raccoons and typically occurs each fall but was delayed in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene.
"Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease, and this program plays a critical role in protecting both public health and animal populations across North Carolina," stated Carl Williams, DVM, the State Public Health Veterinarian. He emphasized the program’s role in stopping the virus spread by vaccinating wildlife like raccoons, thus creating a protective barrier.
Starting April 2, 2025, the oral rabies vaccine baits will be distributed aerially in counties such as Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, and Cherokee, among others. Additional hand baiting is scheduled in Buncombe County from April 3 to April 9, subject to weather conditions.
The baits consist of a sachet containing the vaccine, made attractive to raccoons with a fishmeal coating or enclosed in fishmeal-polymer blocks. Once bitten, the vaccine prompts the animal’s immune system to produce antibodies against rabies. Any contact with the liquid vaccine should be followed by washing the area with soap and water and a call to the number on the bait for guidance.
Though the oral vaccine is approved for raccoons and coyotes, it will not harm domestic pets like dogs and cats. Rabies vaccinations for pets should be administered by a vet. In North Carolina, state law requires domestic pets to be vaccinated against rabies by four months old.
Rabies, often found in wild animals, poses risks to people and pets who encounter them. If bitten by a wild animal, medical attention for a rabies risk assessment is advised. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent infection and disease, which is typically fatal once symptoms appear.
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission encourages the public to report sick or dead wild animals via the NC Wildlife Helpline. The baiting process is expected to conclude by the end of April 2025.
The USDA’s Oral Rabies Vaccination program, active since the 1990s, aims to prevent raccoon rabies from spreading west of the Appalachian Mountains. The program has been successful, with a gradual move eastward envisioned to eradicate the disease.
For further information, visit the National Rabies Management Program webpage or the NCDHHS Division of Public Health website.
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