Texas Department of State Health Services conducts
rabies vaccine bait distribution training in El Paso
WHAT: The Department of State Health Services will conduct rabies hand-baiting safety training for personnel from DSHS Region 9/10, local health departments and animal control agencies within the 18 county Texas Border Maintenance Zone.
The training session will begin with a rabies overview, including general information about the ORVP, its history and what’s new for 2026. Training for rabies vaccine hand-baiting and bait distribution will follow the overview.
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: El Paso Regional Communications Center
6055 Threadgill Ave.
El Paso, Texas 79924
WHY: In 2026, oral rabies vaccine baits will be distributed by hand in the El Paso area beginning Jan. 15 as a response to the Arizona/New Mexico fox variant now within 150 miles of the Texas border. ORVP’s aerial distribution begins Jan. 16 within the Texas Border Maintenance Zone.
Two large rabies outbreaks involving coyotes and gray foxes began in Texas in 1988, presenting a major health threat to domestic animals and people. Gov. Ann Richards declared a state health emergency in 1994, and DSHS launched the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program the following year. It has proven very successful in controlling and preventing domestic dog/coyote variant rabies and gray fox variant rabies infections among wildlife, livestock and people.
