08/10/2026
FYI
🐾 Rabies Prevention Efforts Coming to Wyoming County
Beginning August 12, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) APHIS Wildlife Services, in partnership with the New York State Department of Health, will begin distributing Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) baits to help protect people, pets, and wildlife from rabies.
These matchbox-sized baits, coated with a fishmeal flavoring, are designed to vaccinate raccoons, foxes, and coyotes and may be distributed by airplane, helicopter, or vehicle.
If you find an ORV bait:
✔️ Leave it alone unless it's in an area where children or pets play.
✔️ If it needs to be moved, wear gloves or use a paper towel or plastic bag.
✔️ Place intact baits in a wooded area or other raccoon habitat.
✔️ Dispose of damaged baits in the trash.
✔️ Wash your hands (or any skin/wounds that came into contact with a damaged bait) thoroughly with soap and water.
If your pet eats an ORV bait:
🐶 Don't panic! Eating one or a few baits is not harmful, though a large number may cause an upset stomach.
🐶 Do not try to take the bait away from your pet, as this could result in a bite.
🐶 Check the area for additional baits and move any remaining ones to a wooded area.
🐶 Avoid contact with your pet's saliva for 24 hours and wash any skin or wounds that may have been licked.
Questions?
📞 USDA APHIS Rabies Information Line: 1-866-487-3297 (1-866-4-USDA-WS)
📞 Wyoming County Department of Health: 585-786-8894
Thank you for helping keep our community, pets, and wildlife healthy and safe! 🦝🐺🐾