OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If you spot someone flinging small packets into yards across the eastern half of Douglas County this week, it’s likely the United States Department of Agriculture.
Starting Wednesday, the USDA will distribute 18,000 oral raccoon rabies vaccines within a 62-square-mile area primarily located east of Interstate 680, both on foot and from vehicles.
The objective is to prevent raccoon rabies from spreading further than its current boundaries.
According to Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse, the CDC and USDA have never identified any cases of raccoon rabies between this region and Appalachia, with the exception of a few isolated instances in Ohio.
Earlier this month, Nebraska encountered its first case of the raccoon rabies variant in a kitten. Although ten individuals were exposed to the infected kitten, they are said to be in good health. Huse stressed the seriousness of rabies, highlighting that it is typically fatal without proper treatment.
“If we fail to contain the spread of the raccoon rabies variant, it is projected to result in costs amounting to tens of millions of dollars for human exposures over the next five years,” warned Douglas County Epidemiology Chief Justin Frederick.
The oral vaccines are fish-smelling and about the size of ketchup packets. While they may attract more than just raccoons, county officials assure the public that they are safe for pets. Additionally, owners are advised not to prevent their dogs from consuming the packets to avoid any potential bites.
County officials request Omahans to refrain from moving the packets, unless it is necessary to place them in driveways, sidewalks, or areas that are less likely to attract raccoons. If moving the packets is unavoidable, officials recommend using gloves or a barrier such as a bag or paper towel, followed by thorough handwashing.
Frederick mentioned that the liquid vaccine has caused skin rashes in two instances involving immunocompromised individuals with hand cuts. However, he clarified that this is out of a total of 250 million distributed packets.
The oral rabies vaccine is typically administered each year by Wildlife Services to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the Appalachian Mountains, as stated by the Douglas County Health Department.
For further information, the Douglas County Health Department operates an information line at (402) 444-3400. They are available to answer questions, take requests to avoid baiting properties, and address reports of any adverse effects.
Two weeks ago, officials initiated animal trapping and vaccination efforts. Nearly 600 animals, primarily raccoons but also skunks, cats, and a red fox, have been vaccinated thus far. Testing on animals began a week ago, with roadkill being the main source, since the animal must be deceased for testing. Out of the 130 animals tested, all results have determined negative for rabies.
