08/19/2025
❗️Be Aware ❗️
Rabies Vaccine bait distribution has started. This is a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the risk for rabies in wildlife that will run through August 23rd. If you have to touch the bait please use gloves and wash your hands after.
Rabies vaccine bait distribution by air and by ground starts Wednesday, August 13. If you're wondering what that helicopter or low-flying plan is doing in your neighborhood over the next two weeks - it could be this program.
Erie County will participate in a nationally coordinated effort to reduce risks for rabies in wildlife in August. As in past summers, aerial distribution of bait containing rabies vaccine will take place in Erie County from August 13 through August 23. [Schedule dependent on weather.] Ground bait distribution will begin on August 16.
90% of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife, making it important to reduce risks of exposure, infection and death in animals through the use of an oral vaccine.
“Our vector control team on the ground and pilots in the sky will distribute thousands of vaccine packets this month. Each of these green bait pieces is the size of a quarter coin, and they will be eaten by raccoons, foxes and coyotes,” said Deputy Director of Environmental Health Peter Tripi, who manages the county’s Vector Control Program. “This protection for wildlife will reduce risk of rabies transmission if those wild animals come into contact with people or pets.”
“By protecting our wildlife population we are also reducing risks of rabies exposure in domestic animals, livestock and humans,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “This is another reminder that preventing rabies requires constant vigilance. Pet owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs, cats and ferrets up to date on their rabies vaccines.”
https://www3.erie.gov/health/press/planes-and-helicopters-drop-rabies-vaccine-over-erie-county
