Rabies oral vaccine drops to occur throughout the Valley

(WKBN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Health will begin distributing oral rabies vaccines for wildlife in parts of eastern Ohio next week.

These baits have been distributed in Ohio through aerial drops and by hand since 1997.

This effort, based out of North Lima, seeks to prevent the westward movement of the rabies virus most often spread by raccoons by creating a barrier along the Appalachian Mountains from the Canadian border to Alabama

The medicine will be distributed using fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters and vehicles on the ground.

Distribution will take place from July 29 through most of August and include local towns like East Palestine, Hubbard, Lisbon, Warren, Youngstown, Boardman, Canfield, Girard, Lordstown and Salem.

If a person comes into contact with the medicine, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap, and do not attempt to remove the bait from an animal.

If a pet has eaten several baits, the pet may experience vomiting or diarrhea.

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