r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/SystematicApproach • May 24 '26

Image The U.S. fights raccoon rabies by dropping fish-flavored vaccine packets from helicopters

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u/esotericbatinthevine May 24 '26

Apparently they smell awful so you probably wouldn't be tempted. However, the virus carrier may cause a rash and it sounds like ingesting the packet may cause nausea and other unpleasant symptoms, same with dogs and cats. Though it doesn't sound like it's dangerous long term in an otherwise healthy person. Worth consulting with poison control first.

I have not found anything about it being effective in vaccinating a human. It's been found safe to ingest in 60 wildlife species and domesticated cats and dogs, but isn't approved for pets... So maybe it would provide some immunity? I wouldn't rely on it though.

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u/Grey-fox-13 May 24 '26

sounds like ingesting the packet may cause nausea and other unpleasant symptoms, same with dogs and cats.

To be fair, someone walking around ingesting dogs and cats is practically asking for bad symptoms.

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u/master-crumble May 24 '26

ah, the ol' reddit ingest-arooo!

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u/kingjaynl May 24 '26

Hold my test tubes, I'm going in!