Preventing Wildlife Rabies Saves Lives and Money

Rabies remains a deadly threat to people and animals, with wildlife accounting for over 90% of U.S. cases. USDA’s Wildlife Services leads large-scale oral rabies vaccine (ORV) programs, dropping millions of baits each year to contain the virus in raccoons, foxes, skunks, and coyotes. Economic studies show that eliminating wildlife rabies can save taxpayers millions and prevent thousands of post-exposure treatments annually. Continued vaccination and monitoring help protect public health, pets, and livestock while curbing the disease’s spread.