"Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Distribution in Douglas County Aims to Prevent Disease Spread"
The Douglas County Health Department in Nebraska is partnering with federal and local agencies to distribute oral rabies vaccine baits to prevent the spread of wildlife rabies, particularly among raccoons. The baits, coated with a fishmeal attractant, will be distributed across a 62-square-mile area in the county. This is the first time such baits will be used in Nebraska, and they have been proven safe for animals, including domestic dogs and cats. Humans and pets cannot contract rabies by contacting the baits. If found, the department advises leaving the bait unless it is in an area unlikely to attract raccoons, and using gloves to move it to a thicker cover.