Mineola, NY – The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) will be distributing oral rabies vaccine baits countywide to prevent the spread of the disease among wildlife in Nassau County.
What: The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) will distribute rabies vaccine baits as part of the Raccoon Rabies Control Program. The bait is specifically designed to attract raccoons and includes a vaccine packet that immunizes the animals upon consumption.
When: Vaccine bait distribution is scheduled for October 6–27, 2025, weather permitting.
Where: Baits will be distributed throughout Nassau County in raccoon habitats, including wooded areas, streambeds, storm drains, and other areas where raccoons are likely to be found.
Why: Rabies has been detected in raccoons and feral cats in Nassau County, with the cats testing positive for a strain typically found in raccoons. The program’s efforts aim to prevent further transmission among wildlife, and protect residents and pets.
How: The bait is a small, brown cube made of fishmeal to attract raccoons. Inside is a plastic pouch, similar to a ketchup packet, containing liquid rabies vaccine. Baits are hand-placed by Health Department staff from slow-moving trucks in areas that are likely to be raccoon habitats. When a raccoon bites into the bait, the vaccine is released and absorbed through the tissues in its mouth, for it to develop immunity.