The Reason You’ll See Low-Flying Planes in Western New York

Soon you will see planes and helicopters flying low in the skies of western New York State.

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According to their schedule from last year, these planes and helicopters will soon be working as part of the Erie County Health Department’s rabies vaccine drop to help limit rabies in wildlife in Western New York.

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Last year, planes and helicopters carried out their first airdrops in late July, followed by ground bait distribution.

Helicopter distribution will begin around July 30 and August 3, weather permitting. Ground bait distribution to urban and suburban areas of Erie County will occur around July 29 and August 3. Fixed-wing aircraft will operate from approximately August 15 to 17 for the Western New York counties of Erie, Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming, also weather permitting. USDA distributes approximately one million baits throughout New York State each year.

Health Department officials are warning people not to touch these pills when they fall. If you come into contact with one of these packages, you should call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line (888) 574-6656 with any questions or concerns.

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Most of the sachets will be ingested by wildlife within four days; almost all of the bait will be gone within a week. If the sachets are not found and ingested, they will dissolve harmlessly and the exposed vaccine will be inactivated.

If you must move a vaccine package, wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick it up. Throw damaged bait in the trash; dispose of intact bait in a wooded area so wildlife can eat it.