How is a raccoon vaccinated?
A raccoon is vaccinated when it bites into a bait containing the vaccine. The vaccine used is the only one currently available that works orally in raccoons. The pink vaccine is sealed inside a tiny plastic bag (sachet) that is either coated with a flavoring, or contained inside a bait which is made from a compressed mixture of fish meal and fish oil known to appeal to raccoons. Baits are dropped in areas frequented by raccoons via helicopter or by hand distribution along roads and trails. The baits have a strong smell that is not attractive to people. Currently the baits are not available to individual homeowners – they are only distributed as part of state-approved wildlife vaccination programs.
