Oral Rabies Vaccine Project

The Oral Rabies Vaccination Program is for the immunization or raccoons in the wild. the purpose of the program is to create a barrier to prevent raccoon rabies from spreading further west.

The ORV Program is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other organizations.

2005†*

• 305,173 baits were aerially distributed between August 09 - 16, 2005, 2005

2004†

• 353,773 baits were aerially distributed between
  Aug. 9 – 18, 2004
• 11,880 baits were distributed by hand on
  August 31, 2004

†Data provided by the National Rabies Management Program,
 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture
*Provisional Data

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear vicious!
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them
• Have your dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated against rabies. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
• Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash will attract wild or stray animals to your home or yard.
• Do not leave pet food outside because this may attract wild or stray animals to your home or yard.
• Call your doctor for advice if an animal bites you. Report the incident to your local health department.