SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County health officials have begun distributing 240,000 oral rabies vaccine baits across four towns to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection began distributing the baits this week after terrestrial rabies reappeared in the county in 2025.
The program will run from Sept. 8 through Oct. 1 in the towns of Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown and Islip, officials said.
The baits contain a vaccine designed to immunize raccoons against rabies when eaten. About the size and shape of a condiment packet, the baits are covered with a fishmeal coating to attract raccoons, according to the county.
Officials said the baits are not harmful to people or pets.
Health department employees will distribute the baits from slow-moving, marked Suffolk County vehicles, tossing them into areas frequented by raccoons, including sumps, storm drains, woods, shrubs and hedges in residential neighborhoods.
Officials said the program is not expected to disrupt businesses or residences.
The locations were selected to create a barrier of vaccinated animals aimed at preventing rabies from spreading farther east, according to the county.
"Protecting health of those who live and work in Suffolk County is a top priority," Suffolk County Department of Health Services Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said. "Terrestrial rabies is often fatal, but through this essential program, it's preventable."
More information about Suffolk County's oral rabies vaccine baiting program is available through the Department of Health Services' Raccoon Rabies Control Program webpage.
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