Rabies vaccine baits distributed in Maine and Kahnawà:ke

Public health authorities in North America are conducting oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait distributions to control the spread of raccoon rabies.

In Northern Maine, USDA Wildlife Services and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services distributed nearly 599,000 baits across Aroostook County between August 12 and August 24. This campaign responds to ongoing detections of rabid raccoons and aims to protect humans, pets, and livestock. The baits, which come in fishmeal-coated cubes or sachets, were deployed via aircraft in rural areas and vehicles in populated zones. This effort is part of a long-term rabies-control barrier extending from the Canadian border to Alabama.

In Kahnawà:ke, the Mohawk Council’s Animal Control Services and the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office, in collaboration with the Québec Ministry of the Environment, scheduled a vaccination-bait distribution for August 27 and 28, 2026. Baits will be placed in priority areas with high raccoon activity to reduce disease transmission risk.

Health officials advise that while the vaccine cannot transmit rabies to humans or pets, people should avoid handling or moving the baits. If contact occurs, skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.