The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a final environmental assessment and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) associated with expanding the distribution of the ONRAB oral rabies vaccine in 9 states. The USDA’s Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) program is designed to control rabies in wildlife such as raccoons and skunks. In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, the EA analyzed the proposed expanded use of ONRAB vaccine-baits throughout the ORV distribution zone in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Based on the results of the EA, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared. APHIS-WS will further expand vaccine bait distribution to enhance rabies management in the U.S to protect human and animal health and reduce social costs.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
