BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Vermont’s annual anti-rabies bait drop is underway in much of the state.

About 450,000 rabies vaccine packs are expected to be distributed across 110 communities in nine Vermont counties as part of an effort to stop the spread of the disease among wild animals.

In some area the bait will be dropped from airplanes. In residential areas the bait will be placed by hand.

The operation is a cooperative effort of the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The vaccine is a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive to raccoons and skunks.

The bait packs are not poisonous, but officials ask that they be left alone. If they must be moved, people should wear gloves.

The drops began Aug. 8 and are expected to last about a week.

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