The Wildlife Services (WS) program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working with the Ohio Department of Health to
protect people and pets from the threat of rabies in your area. WS is distributing an oral
rabies vaccine (ORV) bait to vaccinate raccoons, foxes, and coyotes and help stop the further
spread of rabies. ORV baits are about the size of a matchbox and are coated with fishmeal
flavoring or with sweet vanilla wax. ORV baits can be distributed by airplane, helicopter,
or car.
ORV Baits will be distributed between:
May 17 – May 24, 2021
What if I find rabies baits?
If you find ORV baits, leave them alone, unless they are where children or pets play. To
move ORV baits safely, you should:
• Wear gloves or use a paper towel or plastic bag when picking up the baits.
• Toss intact baits into a wooded area or other raccoon habitat.
• Bag and dispose of any damaged baits in the trash.
• Take precautions by practicing proper hygiene – wash with soap and water any skin
or wounds that may have come into contact with ORV baits, especially if the bait was
damaged.
What if my pet eats the bait?
• Don’t panic! A few baits are not harmful, though eating a large number may cause
an upset stomach.
• Do not risk getting bitten or being exposed to the vaccine by taking a bait away from
your pet.
• Check the area for more baits and relocate any remaining baits to a wooded area.
• If your pet eats a bait, avoid your pet’s saliva for 24 hours, and wash skin or wounds
that may have been licked.
Questions about ORV or bait you have found?
• Call the Rabies Information Line at 614-752-1029.
PRESS ENTER ON ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW FOR FULL INFORMATION
Pictures of ONRAB Bait (002)2021 Spring MD DVM Letter (002)
2021 ONRAB OH ORV NOTICE_Legal Size FINAL (002)
ONRAB Information Sheet and Guidelines (002)
OH Spring 2021 ORV Information (002)