Rabies Baiting Happening This Week In Western New York

This week, you will see and hear low-flying planes and helicopters across Western New York. They are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services program, spring distribution of oral rabies vaccine.

Rabies Baiting This Week In Western New York

Starting today and going through May 10th, officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be dropping off rabies vaccines in Niagara County and parts of Western New York.

Helicopters will be used this week to distribute bait across areas of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Fixed-wing aircraft will start to deliver the bait starting on May 18 and going through May 25th.

Ground baiting will also take place in the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, with approximately 200 bait stations deployed across Niagara Falls.

This baiting is earlier than normal, but officials hope that this baiting will help spread the vaccine more thoroughly across the raccoon population in Western New York.

Officials with the health department warn people that they should Not Touch these tablets when they are dropped. If you do come in contact with one of these packets, you need to call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line (888) 574-6656 with questions or concerns.

Most packets will be eaten by wildlife within four days; almost all baits will be gone within a week. If packets are not found and eaten, they will harmlessly dissolve, and the exposed vaccine will become inactivated.

READ MORE: COOLER AND WETTER MONTH OF MAY PREDICTED FOR WESTERN NEW YORK BY THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

If you must move a vaccine packet, wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick it up. Place any damaged baits in the trash; throw intact baits into a wooded area for wildlife to consume.