The New York City Health Department is going to try to vaccinate raccoons against rabies in New York City.
On Monday, September 12 through October, wildlife biologists will distribute individual baits containing an oral rabies vaccine, using bait stations or hand tossing, in wooded areas in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
"Rabies is a serious disease that can affect humans and our pets," said Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan. "New Yorkers should make sure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations and maintain distance from wildlife. If you see an animal you believe to be acting strangely, please call 311." The small, brown-colored baits are fish-scented and resemble a ketchup packet which conceals a small amount of pink, liquid vaccine. Raccoons are attracted to the odor, and when raccoons chew the bait, they can become immunized, protecting them against rabies infection.