—ALERT
The Tennessee Department of Health is partnering with the USDA to distribute oral rabies vaccines for wild raccoons along the state’s borders with Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. The annual baiting program begins October 7, 2026, and targets raccoons and other wildlife in 16 Tennessee counties.“Controlling the spread of raccoon rabies helps keep people, pets, and livestock safe,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dunn.Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear but is 100% preventable with prompt medical attention after exposure.Vaccine baits will be distributed by low-flying aircraft and helicopters. The fish-scented baits are safe but should not be handled unnecessarily.Residents should follow these precautions:Leave baits alone unless they are in areas where children or pets play.Wear gloves or use a towel or plastic bag to move exposed baits to a wooded or brushy area.Keep pets away from baits. Eating a few generally won’t harm them, but consuming many may cause stomach upset.Never remove a bait from a pet’s mouth, as you could be bitten.Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water if a vaccine packet is damaged.Teach children not to touch the baits.Each bait includes a toll-free number for assistance: 1-877-722-6725.For more information, contact USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-487-3297 or the Tennessee Department of Health at 615-741-7247.Learn more at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFVTE02U3czUFV4TXR1UEx6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk-SC0qxp9IDz3cPLvFEd5cmcLOMNWUrRwKq36v6edpzphsHqCIzoC3wicLx_aem_tBtR5Log5tkFAlGtBl1t7g) and https://www.tn.gov/health/rabies.html (https://www.tn.gov/health/rabies.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFVTE02U3czUFV4TXR1UEx6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk-SC0qxp9IDz3cPLvFEd5cmcLOMNWUrRwKq36v6edpzphsHqCIzoC3wicLx_aem_tBtR5Log5tkFAlGtBl1t7g)