Trail Updates

03/19/2026

USDA Wildlife Services announced that it will distribute oral rabies vaccine baits again this year in southwest Virginia to help prevent the spread of raccoon rabies. Drops will occur in parts of the following Appalachian Trail (A.T.) counties: Washington, Grayson, Smyth, Bland, Wythe, and Giles. The A.T. runs through these counties from the Tennessee - Virginia state line to approximately Rocky Gap at VA 601 (NOBO miles 467.3 to 673.0).

The vaccine in these baits cannot cause rabies and has been shown to be safe in more than 60 different species of animals, including cats and dogs. However, the USDA recommends:

• Leave baits alone and keep children away from them
• If your pet finds one, do not try to pull it from your pet’s mouth
• Confine your pet and remove any other baits in the area where your pet could reach them
• Wear gloves or use a towel to pick up a bait, wash hands if there’s a chance the packet ruptured
• If a person or pet is exposed to the vaccine inside the bait, call 1-877-722-6725 to report contact

A.T. hikers and visitors should never approach or touch wildlife. For more information about the rabies management program, visit the USDA's website.

One example of the oral rabies vaccine. Photo courtesy of USDA.

Another example of the oral rabies vaccine. Photo courtesy of USDA.