Planes and helicopters to drop rabies vaccine over Erie County

Erie County will participate in a nationally coordinated effort to reduce risks for rabies in wildlife in May 2026 through the distribution of bait containing rabies vaccine by air and on the ground. The drops by air will depend on weather, but are expected to take place by helicopter through May 10, and by fixed-wing aircraft from May 18-25. Handbaiting by Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) employees will take place in urban areas of Erie County, tentatively May 16-20.

90% of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife, making it important to reduce risks of exposure, infection and death in animals like raccoons, skunks and foxes through the use of an oral vaccine.

"This rabies vaccine distribution program, by air and on the ground, is another way that public health works behind the scenes to protect human health," said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. "Pet owners whose dogs, cats or ferrets are due for a rabies vaccine can stop by our free rabies vaccine clinic at Buffalo Public School 84 on May 9, or at our fall clinics planned for September."

ECDOH reports the type and number of animals that test positive for rabies; in 2026 so far, a skunk, a woodchuck and a bat have been reported. Residents who come in contact with wildlife, including bats inside the home, should call (716) 961-6800 to report the incident and discuss the possible need for post-exposure prophylaxis, or shots given after a potential rabies exposure that prevent a rabies infection, which is 100% fatal. Please do not touch or let children touch wildlife. Bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are the main carriers of rabies virus in the United States, but any mammal can be infected by this disease.

For members of the public who see these packets on the ground:

• Do NOT disturb vaccine packets. Most packets are eaten within four days; almost all baits will be gone within a week. If packets are not found and eaten, they will harmlessly dissolve and exposed vaccine will become inactivated. If you must move a vaccine packet, wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick it up. Place any damaged baits in the trash; throw intact baits into a wooded area or other raccoon/wildlife habitat.

• Residents should WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY if they come into direct contact with the vaccine or packets, then call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line at (888) 574-6656.

Additional recommendations include:

• Supervise children's outdoor activities during bait distribution and for one week afterward (through the first week of June).

• Confine dogs and cats indoors and observe leash laws during the bait distribution interval and for one week afterward. This will increase the probability of raccoon vaccination and decrease the chance of pets finding the baits.

• Residents should not risk being bitten while trying to remove bait from your pet's mouth. The bait will not harm your pet, though an animal may vomit if it consumes several baits. Contact a veterinarian if your pet has consumed vaccine baits.

• Residents who come in contact with wildlife vaccine packets can call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line (888) 574-6656 with questions or concerns.