Bait distribution aims to reduce the spread of the rabies virus
AUGUSTA-- In cooperation with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Wildlife Services will distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits next week. USDA Wildlife Services will distribute approximately 450,000 ORV baits in Aroostook County from May 12 through May 17.
The spring ORV bait distribution is in addition to the annual fall distribution and is in response to continued rabid raccoon detections by the USDA in Aroostook County over the past year. USDA's Wildlife Services spreads ORV baits to reduce the spread of the rabies virus in Maine. This will limit the potential for human or domestic animal exposures to the virus through contact with affected wild animals.
Photo of bait types: Top two bait types are fishmeal-coated cube (middle) and sachet (top) used in this ORV bait drop.
Crews will spread the bait by air in rural areas and by vehicle in more populated areas. Each bait is a fishmeal-coated cube or sachet about one to two inches in size. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the baits but should not touch or move them.
Since 2003, USDA's Wildlife Services has worked in concert with the Maine CDC to stop the spread of the rabies virus into northern Maine. The USDA's Wildlife Services also collaborates with Canadian officials in New Brunswick and Quebec to reduce the presence of rabies across Maine and Canada. As part of the Wildlife Services' National Rabies Management Program, the ORV distribution program in Maine is part of a larger effort to prevent the westward spread of rabies. This effort creates a barrier along the Appalachian Mountains from the Canadian border to Alabama.
Studies show that ORV baits are safe in many species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats. While dogs may get upset stomachs if they eat a lot of the bait, there are no known long-term health risks. If a person has skin contact with the bait, rinse the area affected with warm water and soap. For concerns about a person or pet touching or eating bait, call Maine CDC's 24-hour line at 800-821-5821.
Rabies is a virus that infects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It spreads mainly through a bite from an infected animal. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. Timely post-exposure treatment can prevent disease in people. Approximately 90 percent of reported animal rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wildlife. As of May 5, 2025, 16 animals tested positive for rabies this year in 10 counties. These animals include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
To help protect yourself and your pet against rabies:
- Keep your pet's rabies vaccination up to date.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Keep garbage cans or other sources of food tightly secured.
- Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals. Be cautious of stray dogs and cats.
- Do not move wildlife. This can spread rabies into new areas.
- Wash bite or scratch wounds with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Who to contact:
- If an animal bites or scratches you, contact your health care provider.
- If an animal bites or scratches your pet, contact your veterinarian.
- To report a dead or suspicious-acting wild animal in northern Maine, contact Wildlife Services at 866-487-3297. In other parts of the state, contact the Maine Warden Service or your local Animal Control Officer if a warden is not available.