NYC Health Department To Deploy Rabies Vaccine Baiting In These Boroughs

BROOKLYN, NY — The New York City Health Department is beginning an effort to vaccinate raccoons against rabies in parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The oral rabies vaccine baiting campaign, conducted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NYC Parks, will run from October 5 through mid-October, weather permitting.

In Brooklyn and Queens, vaccine baits will be hand-tossed and placed in fixed bait stations in selected parks and wooded areas. In Staten Island, a low-flying helicopter will distribute the baits over parks, wooded areas and less-populated locations.

The campaign comes as the city continues to track rabies among wildlife. So far in 2026, 24 raccoons and five skunks have tested positive for rabies in New York City. Raccoons are the primary source of rabies in the city, which has a raccoon-specific variant of the virus.

The small, brown, fish-scented baits resemble ketchup packets and contain a small amount of pink liquid vaccine. Residents are advised to leave the baits alone. If a bait is found where children or pets could reach it, it can be moved deeper under trees or bushes using gloves or a plastic bag.

The bait cannot transmit rabies to people or pets, although contact with the vaccine liquid can rarely cause a rash. If someone comes into contact with the liquid, they should wash with warm, soapy water, notify their health care provider and contact the NYC Poison Center at 212-764-7667.

Pet owners should not try to take baits away from pets, as doing so could result in a bite; consuming multiple baits can cause vomiting.