Raccoons and Rabies

Raccoon rabies is found throughout Pennsylvania.  It is a viral infection that can affect the nervous system of any mammal, including humans.  The disease is almost always fatal.  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, federal, state and county agencies are participating in a combined program, to keep this animal epidemic from spreading.

The Oral Vaccination Project:  In Allegheny County, the oral rabies vaccine baiting began in August 2003.  

About the Bait: The bait consists of a square block made from a compressed mixture of fish meal 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, and most will be consumed about 5 days after being distributed.   In Sewickley Heights Borough, baits will be placed along banks of streams and other habitats. Please tell your 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.

Contact with the Bait: It is not harmful to touch 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.  Wash your hands thoroughly after any direct contact with the bait.

If you find bait near your home:  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.

If your dog or cat eats a bait:  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.

Is the vaccine harmful:  It is not harmful to wild animals or pets.  Although the exposure risk to humans is very slight, be aware of what the bait looks like, encourage children to leave the baits alone, keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes at least 5 days after the area has been baited.  Do not attempt to take a bait away from your pet, you may be bitten!  Wash hands or exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after contact.  It is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine.

If you are exposed to the vaccine or need advice, please call the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-687-2243.