If you see small packets placed around your neighborhood, you are not alone.
Starting on Thursday, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health is starting their Raccoon Oral Rabies Vaccination Project.
Baits will be placed around the county to vaccinate raccoons against rabies. You should see the baits until the end of September, weather permitting.
The two different types of bait contain a liquid rabies vaccine. One looks like a ketchup packet with a light brown waxy coating, and the other looks like a small brown brick with plastic on the inside. In both baits the vaccine is inside of the packet.
It immunizes the raccoon when they bite into the packet.
If your pet accidently consumes the vaccine, it is not harmful for them. The Department of health does suggest to carefully take it out of your pets mouth if they do eat it.
It can potentially be harmful if certain people come into direct contact with the vaccine:
- People younger than 18
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with a compromised immune system
- Anyone with a chronic skin condition.
Each packet should be marked with a 1-800 number or you can call 410-222-0056 ext. 3031 if you have any additional questions.
