The annual rabies vaccine bait drop starts in Vermont and runs through Aug. 22

The annual rabies vaccine bait drop starts in Vermont and runs through Aug. 22. The goal of the program is to prevent the spread of rabies in Vermont’s wildlife. About 300,000 quarter-sized blister packs of baits containing the rabies vaccine will be distributed across 10 Vermont counties: Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington. The baits are placed in residential areas and also dropped from low-flying planes in more rural areas. The sweet-smelling bait is attractive to skunks and raccoons. They are not dangerous to people or pets. If you find one, leave it alone so wild animals can eat it. So far this year, 44 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, which is 20 more positive cases than this time last year.