RABIES BAIT DISTRIBUTION Begins on September 13 via helicopter and September 17 via ground vehicles

Information for Dog Owners

Beginning next week, oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits for wildlife will be distributed throughout southern Plymouth County and Mainland Barnstable County. Once that has been completed, operations will be shifted to the Upper-, Mid-, and Lower-Cape in efforts to prevent the spread of terrestrial rabies across the Cape once again.

Follow Cape Cod & Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force for updates!

On the map below, the orange area will be treated with two black and red USDA helicopters beginning Monday, September 13. The exact finish date is weather dependent. Due to areas of high human density, the portion noted in yellow will be treated by vehicles and foot beginning Friday, September 17. Bait stations in selected areas will be filled this coming Monday as well. The ground-based distribution is expected to last between 1 and 2 weeks. During this time frame, you will see two low-flying helicopters, as well as several town, county, and federal vehicles, distributing baits.We ask that you keep your dogs on leash, obeying your town’s leash laws. While the baits are generally safe for your pets, the fishmeal coating may cause your pet to experience an upset stomach. Additionally, every bait that a dog consumes is one that we consider a lost dose that could have gone to an unvaccinated raccoon.This expanded campaign is in response to the first case of terrestrial rabies on the Cape in over 8 years. In May, a raccoon from Hyannis tested positive for the virus.