New York City Health Department Conducts Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Program for Raccoons in Select Areas of Brooklyn and Queens
NYC Health Department’s ORV Program helps reduce rabies transmission among wildlife and protects people and pets
Fish-scented vaccine baits will be distributed in targeted park and greenspaces to help immunize raccoons against rabies
May 15, 2026 — The New York City Health Department, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), today announced the continuation of its oral rabies vaccination (ORV) program for raccoons in Brooklyn and Queens.
For two weeks in May, vaccine baits will be placed in greenspaces and parkland, where raccoons are commonly found. The bait packets are designed to attract raccoons and contain a vaccine that helps immunize animals against rabies once consumed. The vaccination program is intended to reduce the spread of rabies among wildlife and help protect New Yorkers, their pets, and the city’s animal populations.
“Rabies is a serious but preventable disease,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. “Vaccinating wildlife is an important public health tool that helps reduce the risk of rabies transmission to people and pets. New Yorkers can also help protect themselves by avoiding contact with wild animals and keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.”
The bait packets are small, fish-scented sachets that are not intended for people or pets. While the vaccine does not pose a significant health risk to humans or domestic animals, residents should avoid handling the baits, if encountered. If a bait packet must be moved, residents are advised to use gloves or a plastic bag, wash their hands with warm soapy water, talk to their provider, and notify the NYC Poison Center at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667).
As of May 2026, eight animals (1 raccoon and 1 skunk from Queens, 2 raccoons from Brooklyn, and 4 raccoons from Staten Island) have tested positive for rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is most commonly transmitted through bites or contact with saliva from an infected animal. In New York City, rabies is most often found in raccoons, bats, and skunks. While human rabies cases are rare in the United States, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Raccoons- Raccoons live in New York City. If seen during the day be cautious but not alarmed. Seeing a racoon out during the day does not mean it is rabid, it may just be looking for food.
- Do not feed raccoons.
- Observe raccoons from a distance.
- For more information about raccoons, visit WildlifeNYC.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals or stray dogs or cats.
- Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers.
- Stay away from any animal that is behaving aggressively.
- Stay away from any wild animal that appears ill or acts unusually friendly.
- Call 311 to report a sick animal.
- Animals that have attacked, or appear likely to attack, should be reported to 911.
- Do not try to separate fighting animals.
- Keep your dog’s and cat’s vaccinations up to date.
- Keep your dog leashed while outdoors.
- Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended.
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact your veterinarian immediately and report the incident to 311.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water.
- Seek medical care from a health care provider.
- If the animal is not owned, and can be captured by authorized personnel, call 311.
- If the animal is a pet, get the owner’s name, address, and telephone number so the Health Department can monitor the animal.
- To report a bite, call the Animal Bite Unit (646-364-1799) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. At night or on weekends, call 212-POISONS (764-7667).
- For information about medical follow-up, call 311 or your medical provider.
The Health Department regularly monitors rabies activity throughout the five boroughs and works with local, state, and federal partners to respond to emerging cases and reduce transmission risks.
For information about rabies and baiting visit:###
MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov