Annual Oral Rabies Vaccination Project Begins September 8,2020
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health will conduct the annual Raccoon Oral Vaccination Project beginning Wednesday, September 8. Baits will be placed throughout Anne Arundel County to vaccinate raccoons against rabies. The project should be completed by September 30, weather permitting.
The Baits contain Liquid rabies vaccine. Will be placed in neighborhoods by teams of trained Department of Health staff. Teams will wear orange vests and travel in marked County vegicles. Will be dropped from a low-flying County Police helicopter in less-populated areas.
The bait comes in two styles.One looks like a ketchup packet with a light brown waxy coating.The other looks like a small brown brick, is approximately 0.75 inches thick by 1.25 inches square, and has a plastic packet inside. In both styles, the liquid vaccine is contained within the packet.
They are marked with a 1-800 phone number. Anyone who comes in contact with the bait or has a pet that finds the bait is asked to call the number or 410 - 222 - 7168.

The Vaccine;
Innunizes raccoons when the animal bites into the packet that contains the vaccine.
Cannot cause rabies and is not harmful to raccoons, pets or other animals.
Is felt to represent a low human health risk. However, it is advised that the following individuals avoid handling the bait.
People younger than 18 years old
Pregrant womwn
Anyone with a compromised immune system
Anyone with a chronic skin condition

The Depasrtment of Health reccommends that pet owners keep their pets confined or on a leash during the baiting period and for two weeks thereafter. It is also recommended that care be taken in removing the bait from a pet's mouth.

Homeowners who see raccoons on their property may request to have the property baited by going online to www.aahealth.org or by calling the Department of Health at 410 - 222 - 7168 before August 27.

For more information about the ORV Project ,go to their web site above.