Five or fewer people in the U.S. die from rabies each year. Not that long ago, more than 100 died annually from the disease. All mammals are susceptible to rabies. A few species, however, act as hosts that allow the virus to spread. Since 1995, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has run a successful, yearly vaccination program that keeps rabies in check in raccoons. They vaccinate from the air! Well, from the ground, too.
Source: NPR Short Wave, November 1, 2023. Link. In rural areas, there’s a more efficient way to distribute the bait. “They’re scattered by these low flying planes. And the planes have a tube and conveyor belt that just drops these vaccines to make sure they’re sort of evenly dispersed.” Emily Mullin
If another animal, like a dog, finds and eats the bait, it won’t hurt them.
INSIGHTS: The success of this program is commendable for reducing rabies risks from raccoons. As we and our pets continue to intersect more with wildlife, programs like this and the one managed by Columbia University featured in last week’s Bulletin become critical. Take a look at “Digging for secrets from the raccoon in your garbage.” Link.