In continuing efforts to prevent the reintroduction of raccoon-variant rabies to Cape Cod, ORV baits will be distributed in Rochester, Mattapoisett and Marion. Because there have been no raccoon-variant rabies cases on Cape Cod, the treatment zone was reduced, and those baits were allotted to include a portion of Mattapoisett for the first time during Spring 2026.
Ground operations will begin September 8 and will be conducted by town and federal employees. Also beginning around September 8, the ORV zone will be baited with support from a USDA-owned Jet Ranger helicopter. Aerial operations will continue for approximately four days, weather-dependent. The public may observe one low-flying, red-and-black helicopter during this timeframe.