USDA to airdrop rabies vaccine baits across Northwest Georgia in effort to stop virus's spread

The USDA plans to airdrop more than 500,000 rabies vaccine bait packets across northwest Georgia over the next few weeks to slow the virus’s spread. Officials say the annual campaign targets raccoons and other wildlife and will cover more than 7,000 square kilometers in parts of 16 counties, including Bartow, Catoosa, Floyd, Fannin, and Whitfield. The baits, coated with fishmeal, carry the RABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine (ORV). Walker County expects helicopter drops around Oct. 7, with airplane drops starting about Oct. 20. Residents are advised not to touch the baits; guidance is available via a toll-free number on each packet.