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USDA Begins Helicopter Airdrop of Rabies Vaccine in North Georgia

The effort uses fishmeal-coated oral baits to curb raccoon rabies.

Overview

  • Helicopter drops are underway October 14–15 in the Dalton, LaFayette, and Tunnel Hill areas, with fixed‑wing aircraft scheduled to cover a wider zone October 21–28.
  • More than 500,000 RABORAL V‑RG baits will be distributed over 7,000+ square kilometers in parts of Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker, and Whitfield counties.
  • The Georgia operation is part of an October campaign spanning Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, which APHIS says will be the final airdrops of 2025.
  • Officials advise leaving baits where they are, moving any found in open areas only with gloves or a towel, washing after contact with vaccine, and noting that pets are not at risk though eating several baits may cause mild stomach upset.
  • USDA lists drop locations and activity in real time on an interactive website, and bait packets carry a toll‑free number for questions or to report contact.