MONTGOMERY, Al.
Authorities say helicopters will drop packets of rabies vaccine over parts of Autauga and Elmore counties this week to try and stop the westward spread of the virus in raccoons.
The vaccines will be wrapped in fishmeal, which makes them attractive to raccoons. When the animals bite into the packets, they will break pouches that contain the vaccine. Dana Johnson, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, says there have been seven confirmed cases of rabies west of the Coosa River so far this year.
Johnson said authorities are aiming to stop the spread of raccoon rabies west of the Alabama and Coosa river systems.
Johnson said the vaccine isn't dangerous to pets if they ingest the baits.
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