Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Nassau County Department of Health will begin its fall distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits Sept. 22 as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of rabies among wildlife and protect residents and their pets.
Weather permitting, the vaccine baits will be distributed from Sept. 22 through Oct. 9 throughout Nassau County. Health Department staff will distribute the baits from slow-moving vehicles in areas where raccoons are likely to be found, including wooded areas, streambeds, storm drains and other suitable habitats.
The oral rabies vaccine bait is a small plastic packet, similar to a ketchup packet, containing liquid rabies vaccine. The packet is coated with wax, cod liver oil and fishmeal crumbles to attract raccoons. When a raccoon bites into the bait, the vaccine is released and absorbed through tissues in its mouth, allowing the animal to develop immunity.
Terrestrial rabies had been largely absent from Nassau County for years before returning in 2024. Before then, the county had confirmed one rabid raccoon in 2016 and no other cases dating back to 2009.
Six rabid animals — four raccoons and two feral cats — were confirmed in Nassau in 2024. That number rose to 27 in 2025, including 26 raccoons and one feral cat. So far in 2026, the county has confirmed one rabid animal, a raccoon.
“Following the return of rabies in 2024, NCDOH implemented extensive rabies control efforts, including an expanded oral rabies vaccine baiting program to help vaccinate raccoons and other terrestrial wildlife against the virus,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Irina Gelman said. “Those highly successful efforts have continued, and the decline in confirmed rabies cases this year is encouraging.”
County health officials said intact baits are not harmful, though there is a very low risk of side effects from skin contact with the vaccine, including rash, fever or headache.
Residents are advised to supervise children outdoors during the distribution period and for about a week afterward. If a child bites through a packet and ingests the liquid, residents should immediately call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.
Baits found near homes but not in the open should be left alone. If an intact bait is in an open area where children or pets are likely to encounter it, residents can use gloves or a plastic bag to move it into deeper cover under trees or bushes.
Cats should be kept indoors and dogs on leashes during the distribution period and for about a week afterward to give raccoons an opportunity to eat the baits. The baits are not harmful to dogs or cats, although pets may vomit if they consume a large number.
For more information, including a distribution map and tentative schedule, visit NassauCountyNY.gov/5724/Raccoon-Rabies-Control-Program. Information about rabies and animal bites is available at NassauCountyNY.gov/5710/Rabies-Animal-Bites.
