Low Flying planes And Helicopters Expected Across New York

Don't be alarmed if you see low-flying planes and helicopters in the skies over New York State.

They are all part of the State's wildlife oral rabies vaccination program. The NY State Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services are teaming up together to participate in this wildlife vaccination program for rabies. 

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Bait pellets will be distributed by aircraft and by workers on the ground during the month of August.

Baiting has already begun in Jefferson County and will continue through August 6th. Baiting is set to begin in Erie County and through parts of Western New York starting on August 17th and will go through August 21st. All baiting is weather dependent which means if the weather is bad, baiting could extend past the current expected dates.

Officials with the health department warn people that they should Not Touch these tablets when they are dropped. If you do come in contact with one of these packets, you need to call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line (888) 574-6656 with questions or concerns.

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Most packets will be eaten by wildlife within four days; almost all baits will be gone within a week. If packets are not found and eaten, they will harmlessly dissolve and the exposed vaccine will become inactivated.

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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 for wildlife to consume.