Lithuania to begin aerial rabies vaccination for wildlife

The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) is launching an autumn rabies vaccination campaign for wild animals in Lithuania, starting September 14. The operation will utilize aircraft to distribute 505,000 baits containing the LYSVULPEN live vaccine across a 50-kilometer buffer zone along the borders with Poland and Belarus.

The vaccination will target various regions, including Šalčininkai, Trakai, Vilnius, Alytus, and several other municipalities. At least 25 baits will be distributed per square kilometer in forests, meadows, and fields. While the baits are not intended to be dropped over towns, settlements, rivers, or lakes, they may be moved into residential areas by wild animals, large birds, or domestic pets.

VMVT emphasizes that the vaccine is harmless to pets. Residents who find a bait are instructed not to touch, collect, or destroy it. To assist in monitoring the effectiveness of the campaign, hunters will receive a 10 euro payment for every fox or raccoon brought in for testing to determine if they have acquired immunity.