RABIES BAIT DISTRIBUTION JULY 12-23 via helicopter and ground vehicles

Information for Dog Owners

Beginning the week of July 12, 2021, oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits for wildlife will be distributed throughout the Upper, Mid, & Lower-Cape in efforts to prevent the spread of terrestrial rabies across the Cape.

The area shaded in Gray on this map will not receive baits as it was recently treated in May. The orange area will be treated with two black and red USDA helicopters from Tuesday (7/13) through Friday (7/16), weather pending. 

Due to areas of high human density, the portion noted in yellow will be treated by vehicles and foot beginning Monday July 12th. 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 campaign is in response to the first case of terrestrial rabies on the Cape in over 8 years. In May, a raccoon located in Hyannis tested positive for the virus. More information HERE