USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine

May 12, 2026

AUGUSTA-- In cooperation with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), officials from U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Wildlife Services will begin to distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits this week. USDA Wildlife Services will distribute nearly 450,000 ORV baits in Aroostook County from May 13 through May 22.

This spring ORV bait distribution is in addition to the annual fall distribution and is in response to sporadic rabies detections by the USDA in Aroostook County. USDA Wildlife Services spreads ORV baits to reduce the spread of the rabies virus in Maine. This helps to limit the potential for human and domestic animal exposures to rabies through contact with infected wild animals.

Crews will spread bait cubes and sachets by air in rural areas and by vehicle in more populated areas. Each bait is a fishmeal-coated cube or sachet about one to two inches in size. Although humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait, they should not touch or move them.

Studies show that ORV baits are safe in many species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats. While dogs may get upset stomachs if they eat a lot of bait, there are no known long-term health risks. If a person has skin contact with bait, rinse the affected area with warm water and soap. For concerns about a person or pet touching or eating bait, call the Maine CDC's 24-hour line at 800-821-5821.

Since 2003, USDA's Wildlife Services has worked to prevent rabies from spreading further into northern Maine. They also collaborate with Canadian officials in New Brunswick and Quebec to prevent the spread of rabies across Maine and Canada. As part of the Wildlife Services' National Rabies Management Program, the ORV distribution program in Maine is part of a larger effort to prevent the northern and westward spread of rabies. This effort creates a barrier along the Appalachian Mountains from the Canadian border to Alabama.

Rabies is a virus that infects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It spreads mainly through a bite from an infected animal. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. Timely post-exposure treatment can prevent disease in people. Approximately 90 percent of reported animal rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wildlife. As of May 11, 2026, 11 animals have tested positive for rabies this year in eight Maine counties. Identified infected animals include raccoons, a gray fox, a bat and a goat.

To help protect yourself and your pet against rabies:

• Keep your pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccination.
• Feed pets indoors.
• Keep garbage cans or other sources of food tightly secured.
• Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals. Be cautious of stray dogs and cats.
• Do not move wildlife. This can spread rabies into new areas.
• Wash bite or scratch wounds with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Who to contact:

• If an animal bites or scratches you, contact a health care provider.
• If an animal bites or scratches your pet, contact your veterinarian.
• To report a dead or suspicious-acting animal in northern Maine, contact the USDA's Wildlife Services.
  • In other parts of the state, contact the nearest Maine Regional Communications dispatch center

For more information:

• USDA Rabies webpage
• The Maine CDC Rabies webpage and dashboard
• USDA Wildlife Services: 1-866-487-3297 (for reporting suspicious animals in northern Maine)
• Maine Regional Communications dispatch center (for reporting suspicious animals in other parts of Maine)
• The Maine CDC disease reporting & consultation line: 1-800-821-5821 (available 24/7)