Rabies Control Goes Global: US Aerial Drops, Mexican Mass Vaccination and Australia’s Strict Import Rules Reflect Scale of the Challenge

From one million aerial vaccine baits dropped over New England raccoon populations to ten million pet doses administered across Mexico’s State of Mexico and some of the world’s most demanding pet import biosecurity requirements in Australia, three contrasting national approaches to rabies control illustrate both the enduring threat the disease poses and the breadth of the veterinary and public health response it demands.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Rabies Management Programme is distributing more than 1.1 million oral vaccine baits across Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, targeting raccoons — the primary wildlife rabies carrier in the eastern US. Low-flying aircraft and ground crews are dispersing the baits across ten Vermont counties and selected areas in neighbouring states. Vermont recorded 66 wildlife rabies cases in both 2024 and 2025, with 37 already confirmed in 2026. After distribution, USDA staff trap raccoons to test for vaccine uptake, with the programme’s stated long-term goal being the elimination of raccoon rabies from the United States entirely.

At the other end of the spectrum, Mexico’s State of Mexico has administered 10.2 million canine and feline rabies vaccine doses since September 2023, covering all 125 municipalities through six mass immunisation drives and routine health centre services. Officials launched a National Rabies Vaccination Week in March 2026 targeting 2.8 million free doses, with a further reinforcement week planned for 20–26 September. Authorities recommend first vaccination from one month of age, a booster at three months, and annual revaccination.

Australia’s approach is defined by the determination to maintain its rabies-free status. Dogs from approved Group 3 countries — including the United States — must complete a sequence spanning microchipping, rabies vaccination, a valid RNATT blood test, an import permit, additional vaccinations against canine influenza and leptospirosis, and timed parasite treatments. The 180-day residency requirement in an approved country begins when the blood sample reaches an accredited laboratory. Industry guidance recommends allowing six to eight months to complete the full process.