City Set To Hand Toss Raccoon Rabies Vaccines In Upper Manhattan

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — After two raccoons with rabies were found over the summer in Inwood and Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan is set to undergo a mass vaccination effort targeting the critters.

From Tuesday to Oct. 9, wildlife biologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture will hand-toss bait containing an oral rabies vaccine into areas with thick vegetation in Upper Manhattan.

The vaccination effort will also take place in parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.

The bait looks like a small, brown colored ketchup packet, has a fishy scent and contains a small amount of pink liquid rabies vaccine. The smell was specifically made to attract raccoons.

The bait typically doesn't harm people but in rare instances can cause a rash, according to the New York City Health Department. Anyone who is exposed to it should wash with warm soapy water, talk to a doctor and call the poison control center at 800-222-1222, city officials said.

Here are the details on the two animals with rabies found in Upper Manhattan over the summer:

• Date of result: 7/20/20
• Type of animal: Raccoon
• Location: Bogdarus Place and Hillside Avenue

• Date of result: 8/14/20
• Type of animal: Raccoon
• Location: Payson Avenue and Seaman Avenue

A total of 30 animals were found with rabies across the five boroughs to date during 2020, eight of which have been raccoons.

Pets cannot get rabies from the vaccine, but they might vomit if they eat too much of it.

More information about the mass vaccination effort is available on the NYC Department of Health's website.