Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) Distribution is Underway in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties
Beginning Monday, May 5, ORV baits will be distributed in select locations of Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. Plymouth, Wareham, Kingston, Carver, Middleboro, Lakeville, Middleborough, Rochester, Marion, Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Barnstable will all receive baits, however, a helicopter likely will not be available for use this spring. All baits are expected to be distributed by ground. The goal is to have all baits distributed by May 16th.
Look out for volunteers driving, distributing these baits in raccoon habitats over the next two weeks! Partners include Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, New England Wildlife Center, Cape Wildlife Center, and others.
These baits are meant to be distributed in areas where terrestrial rabies vectors (for example, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) frequent, and away from areas where domestic animals and people are likely to find them. The baits are typically not harmful to people or pets, but if a bait is found, please call (877) 722-6725 to report where it was located. Additionally, we ask that you obey your town’s leash law as every bait that is picked up and consumed by a dog is one that is considered a lost dose—a dose that could have gone to an unvaccinated raccoon.
Thank you for your cooperation on this important project! Please follow the Cape Cod & Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force Facebook page for the latest information about rabies in southeast Massachusetts!
In the News
Check out this local news coverage of the ORV distribution efforts at CapeCod.com.
