UTC Community:
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced that they will be “aerial bait dropping” rabies vaccination for wild animals in the urban areas of Hamilton County, TN from October 6, 2024 through October 9, 2024. This may result in low-flying helicopters in the Chattanooga area during that time.
The USDA Wildlife Services program advises that the vaccine products are safe. However, should you encounter one, they recommend relocating it into a wooded area with gloves or a towel as the packaging will have a strong fishmeal smell. Additionally, while harmless, pets eating too much of the product may develop an upset stomach.
More information about the wildlife rabies program can be found on the USDA and TDH websites.