Texas launches aerial vaccine program to eliminate canine rabies

Texas is implementing an oral rabies vaccination program to combat canine rabies, which has caused two major epidemics since 1988. The program has distributed over 53 million vaccine doses, significantly reducing rabies cases in dogs and foxes to zero. Previously, rabies outbreaks affected 74 counties, leading to human deaths and widespread animal loss. The new approach focuses on aerial distribution of vaccines, building on decades of research and successful trials in other regions. The program aims to prevent future rabies outbreaks and could serve as a model for controlling other infectious diseases in wildlife. Ongoing monitoring and adaptation of vaccination strategies are key components of this effort.