Harford County rabies vaccine program will place more than 15,000 vaccine baits across local raccoon habitats. Officials are responding after 22 animals tested positive for rabies this year. Of those cases, 16 involved raccoons, as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle citing https://sfnews.us/.
WMAR-2 News reported several attacks involving rabid raccoons and pets. Bonnie Harbin of the county health department said Harford recorded Maryland’s highest total this year.
More Than 15,000 Rabies Vaccine Baits Will Be Distributed
The pilot raccoon rabies vaccine program begins across parks, woodlands, and neighborhoods. Ground teams will target places where raccoons are likely to feed.
The Harford County Health Department says 2 bait designs will be used. Both contain the Raboral V-RG oral vaccine.
Residents may encounter:
- small brown fishmeal-polymer blocks containing vaccine packets;
- coated vaccine sachets designed to attract raccoons.
A raccoon must bite through the packet to receive the vaccine. Younger animals can more easily consume the coated sachets.
“We’re going to be putting out about 15 thousand baits,” Harbin told WMAR-2.
Harford County Reports 22 Rabies Cases
The recent rabies spike in Harford County provides the immediate backdrop for the program.
| Indicator | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Rabies-positive animals | 22 |
| Rabid raccoons | 16 |
| Vaccine baits planned | More than 15,000 |
Officials say people have reported rabid raccoons attacking pets. The program aims to reduce wildlife transmission before more animals become infected.
USDA has used oral rabies vaccine baits for decades. Its Wildlife Services program has distributed these vaccines since 1995.
What Residents Should Do If They Find a Bait
The vaccine cannot cause rabies, according to county health officials. However, residents should leave the baits undisturbed whenever possible.
Pet owners should also keep animals controlled during distribution. County guidance recommends leashes or indoor confinement during baiting and for 2 weeks afterward.
Dogs or cats that eat bait may develop temporary vomiting or diarrhea. The vaccine does not replace routine veterinary rabies vaccination.
For Harford County, the pilot represents a targeted response to an unusually active rabies year. Its success will depend on reaching enough wild raccoons before the virus spreads further.
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