Oral rabies baiting begins July 20 in Cornwall, Niagara and Thousand Islands

What is happening and when

• From July 20 until mid‑September, the ministry will distribute oral rabies vaccine baits in selected areas. Aerial baiting is expected to begin in September along the St. Lawrence River (Wolfe Island, Thousand Islands, Gananoque, Cornwall).

Where and how baits will be placed

• Urban areas: by hand in wildlife habitats (bushes, green spaces, ravines), and along fence lines, hedges and large culverts. Baits will not be distributed near schools or playgrounds.
• Rural/island areas: by aircraft; boats will be used in parts of the Thousand Islands.

Safety and what to do if you find a bait

• The bait is khaki‑green with a wax‑fat coating that smells like marshmallow and is labeled “Do not eat” with the toll‑free number 1‑888‑574‑6656.
• Do not touch found baits; leave them for wildlife. If consumed by people or pets by mistake, contact a doctor or veterinarian as a precaution (there is a very small risk for immunocompromised people or animals).

Why this matters

• The baiting program helps animals develop immunity to raccoon and fox rabies. Since 2015 the ministry has distributed more than 10 million baits, vaccinated over 21,000 wild animals by hand and tested over 37,000 wildlife samples. The program reports that raccoon and fox variant rabies have been eliminated from southern Ontario and is now focused on prevention and surveillance.