Ohio’s PAINESVILLE — This month, Ohio’s raccoon population is being fed an unusual treat: oral rabies vaccine baits, also referred to as the forbidden ravioli.
As part of an annual effort to prevent the transmission of rabies in wildlife, the Ohio Department of Health is dropping the fish-scented baits in Lake and Geauga counties along with nine others. The packets, which resemble tiny squares of filled pasta, contain a vaccine that helps protect raccoons from the deadly illness.
In rural locations, airplanes are used to deliver the vaccine-laden baits, while in more urban and suburban communities, ground staff and low-flying helicopters are used.
The 2025 fall operation is scheduled from August 17 to September 16.
Ashtabula, Belle Vista, Boardman, Conneaut, Edgewood, Geneva, Hubbard, Lisbon, Niles, Poland, Struthers, Warren, and Youngstown are among the cities in Ashtabula, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning, Portage, and Trumbull counties where baiting will occur.
In a social media post, Geauga Public Health stated that although they have a humorous appearance, they are crucial in preventing wildlife rabies.
Officials emphasized that the baits are safe for the environment, people, and pets. Although ODH advises leaving them on the ground so the intended diners, raccoons, can do the job, dogs that eat one while out for a walk won’t become ill.
To appeal to wildlife, the vaccination is packaged in a tiny blister pack that has been covered with a tasty attractant. An oral rabies vaccination is created when an animal bites into the bait, causing the pack to split open and the vaccine to cover the tonsils and mouth.
A portion of the rabies virus is introduced to the animal’s immune system during the procedure, which sets off an immunological reaction and the development of antibodies that protect the animal. Although the vaccine does not induce rabies, it does teach the animal’s body to identify the virus and react promptly in the event that it is later encountered.
Although it is uncommon in Ohio, rabies is nevertheless a major public health concern. Raccoons are the state’s largest carriers, and if symptoms start to show up, it’s nearly always fatal. By using these bait drops to create a wall of inoculated raccoons, health officials hope to halt the virus’s spread.
on Lake and Geauga counties, it’s truly public health at work, even though it could appear to be ravioli spread on the grass.
Stories by
Molly Walsh
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