Omaha Implements Innovative Oral Raccoon Rabies Vaccination Program

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be distributing 18,000 oral raccoon rabies vaccines in a 62-square-mile area in Omaha, Nebraska, to prevent the spread of a variant of rabies that hasn't been found in the area before. The vaccines, about the size of a ketchup packet and covered with fish meal, will be placed in yards and are safe for pets. Moving the packets is discouraged, and if done, gloves or a barrier should be used. The liquid vaccine has caused rashes in a few cases. Officials have already vaccinated nearly 600 animals and all tested negative for rabies.