USDA to Distribute Rabies Vaccine Baits in Northwest Georgia, Oct. 14–15 & Oct. 21–28

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program (USDA-WS) will begin distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in northwest Georgia from October 21 through October 28, 2025. This effort is part of a nationwide campaign to stop the spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States and to protect both people and animals from this deadly disease.

About the Program

• More than 500,000 baits containing the R2025 ORV Plans GeorgiaABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine will be distributed.

• Baits will cover over 7,000 square kilometers across parts of the following counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker, and Whitfield.

• Helicopter drops will take place Oct. 14–15 in Dalton, Lafayette, and Tunnel Hill.

• Airplane drops will take place Oct. 21–28 throughout the larger vaccination area.

Note: Above Counties and Cities in Bold Font are areas affected in the North Georgia Health District 

This program is a cooperative effort between the USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Georgia Department of Public Health, and other agencies.

What the Baits Look Like

• Baits are packets coated with fishmeal crumbles to attract raccoons and other wildlife.

• Each bait has a toll-free number printed on it for information and assistance.

Safety Information

• If you find a bait, leave it alone so wildlife can eat it.

• ORV in Eastern US FactsheetIf a bait is in the open, you may move it deeper into the woods or brush—just wear gloves or use a paper towel and wash your hands afterward.

• Do not try to take a bait away from your pet. While the baits are not harmful to pets, eating several may cause mild stomach upset.

• If you come into direct contact with the liquid vaccine inside a bait, wash your hands immediately and call your local health department for guidance.

Questions?

For more details about the USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program, call 1-866-487-3297 or visit: USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Program.

Link here for the 2025 Georgia Principal Notification Letter.

The map of the 2025 bait distribution zone in Georgia is available through USDA.