Allegheny County Health Dept., USDA begin aggressive raccoon rabies program

When it comes to rabies, raccoons amount to what could be called super spreaders.

Now the Allegheny County Health Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services are set to begin an aggressive raccoon rabies baiting program later this month.

Starting on July 25, a six-week project will begin with crews laying out more than 300,000 vaccine baits in all 130 Allegheny County municipalities as well as parts of Beaver and Washington Counties. Bait will be distributed by hand as well as by helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes.

The oral rabies vaccine consists of a packet containing a waxy, green liquid that is attractive to raccoons.

Rabies is a virus transmitted by animal bites or scratches that is almost always fatal if left untreated. Raccoons are considered a primary carrier of the rabies virus in the United States according to the Humane Society.

“Raccoon rabies spreads quickly and infects large numbers of raccoons. The disease often spreads to other wildlife and pets, making human exposure a real concern,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “Rabies is a very serious disease. It is important to never feed, touch or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs and cats.”

A statement from Allegheny County said the baits are not harmful to pets but it is asking residents to keep dogs and cats inside or on a leash, so they don’t eat the baits before raccoons can. The county is also asking people to bring food sources indoors and secure their garbage cans to help make sure raccoons are hungry.

“Allegheny County plays a critical role in rabies management and prevention in the United States,” said Jamie Sokol, raccoon rabies baiting program coordinator. “The success of our program should serve as a model for other metropolitan areas as efforts to eliminate rabies in raccoons shift eastward.”

For more information about the Raccoon Rabies Baiting Program go to www.alleghenycounty.us/raccoon.