By Alabama Public Radio
Alabama – Low-flying airplanes and cars will be used to distribute the vaccine in eleven counties in an effort to stop the spread of rabid raccoons. The distribution will begin in Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson and Marshall counties in northeast Alabama. Then it will go to Bibb, Chilton, Jefferson, Perry, Shelby and Tuscaloosa counties in the middle of the state. Alabama is one part of a drop program that stretches from Mexico through the United States and into Canada to try to stop the westward spread of rabies in raccoons. Officials say the baits pose no threat to humans, but the baits should be handled with gloves or by using a plastic bag.