AKWESASNE – (Onerahtohkó:wa/May 11, 2026) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is sharing information released by the St. Lawrence County Public Health Office on May 1, 2026 of an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) air bait drop by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services starting May 14, 2026. This bait drop is a nationwide effort by the USDA to prevent the spread of rabies, a disease that can be fatal to animals and humans if left untreated.
The bait drop packages may look like ketchup packets, a folded paper, or a small box and each includes a vaccine that is dipped in fish oil and/or coated with fishmeal to attract wildlife. The vaccine is safe for more than 60 species of mammals and birds.
Anyone who has had direct exposure to the saliva or brain tissue of a suspected rabid animal should wash all of their wounds, seek medical attention immediately, and report any animal bites or rabies exposure to the St. Lawrence County Public Health (315) 386-2325 or Franklin County Public Health (518) 481-1725. Community members who come in contact with the vaccine packets can call the USDA at (315) 857-4311 with questions or concerns.
- Please leave the vaccine packets undisturbed. Almost all packets are eaten within four days, baits will be gone within a week.
- Wear gloves, use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick up the vaccine in the event you must move it. Place any damaged baits in the trash and throw intact baits into a wooded area or other wildlife habitat.
- Wash your hands immediately if you come into direct contact with the vaccine or baits, then call the USDA.
- Supervise children and pet’s outdoor activities during the bait distribution period and for one week following the bait drop. This will increase the likelihood of wildlife vaccination and decrease the likelihood that children and pets will find the bait. Baits and vaccines are not harmful to domestic animals, though it may cause vomiting if several packets are ingested.
- If your pet eats a bait, avoid your pet’s saliva for 24 hours, and wash skin or wounds that may have been licked.