RABORAL V-RG®: Oral Rabies Vaccine For Wildlife

WHAT IS IT?
RABORAL V-RG® is a recombinant vaccine that protects raccoons and coyotes against rabies, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to rabies to humans and domestic animals. The recombinant vaccine is encased inside a plastic packet. The packets, also called sachets, are encased inside solid fishmeal baits or the sachets are simply covered in a fishmeal-based coating. These bait units, each containing a single dose of RABORAL V-RG®, are distributed into wildlife habitat, where they are sought out and eaten by raccoons and coyotes.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
RABORAL V-RG® immunizes the raccoon or coyote during the eating process. While the raccoon or coyote eats the bait, the vaccine is exposed to the tissues inside the animal’s mouth and the vaccine causes an immune response against rabies. This vaccine is a highly specialized and safe vaccine because it has only one genetic element (i.e., gene) of the rabies virus (NOT the complete virus) so the vaccine will not cause rabies. After eating the vaccine, in approximately 10-14 days the raccoon or coyote will be protected against rabies, should it get exposed to a rabid animal.

HOW IS IT USED?
Each year in the United States approximately 12 million doses of RABORAL V-RG® are distributed into wildlife habitats. The bait-units containing the vaccine are distributed by airplane, helicopter or by hand to reach the target species. The location and number of baits used depends on the severity of the outbreak and the specific public health official’s goals for their rabies control efforts. Radio messages, TV announcements and posters are used in communities to alert citizens of upcoming baiting programs. It is important that you do not touch the bait units. Each unit has a toll-free number printed on its surface. If the bait is found in a residential area or you or your pet contacts the bait, please call this toll-free number to be routed to your local rabies control program offices toll-free at: 1-877-RABORAL (1-877-722-6725).