You’ve probably seen the headlines about “forbidden ravioli” popping up in fields, forests, and even near backyards in Ohio. At first glance, these small green blocks look like pasta tossed out in the wrong place. But they’re actually vaccine baits, part of the Ohio raccoon rabies program—a statewide effort to stop rabies from spreading in wild animals.

So, what does this have to do with your dog? Quite a lot. Dogs are curious, and they’ll sniff or even eat these vaccine baits if they find them. That’s why you need to understand rabies baiting and pets, how these baits work, and what they mean for protecting dogs from rabies in communities like Grove City.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ohio, we work with families every day who worry about rabies risks, strange wildlife behaviour, and keeping pets safe. The “forbidden ravioli” story gives us a chance to explain what’s happening, how it affects your pets, and what steps you should take to keep your home secure.

What Is the Ohio Raccoon Rabies Program?

The Ohio raccoon rabies program began in the 1990s after a strain of rabies moved in from Pennsylvania. The Ohio Department of Health, with help from the USDA, started dropping oral rabies vaccine baits across key counties.

• Planes drop them over forests and fields.
• Helicopters and trucks spread them through suburban areas.
• The goal is to create a “barrier” of vaccinated animals so the virus can’t spread farther.

It’s been one of the most successful wildlife rabies prevention programs in the United States, cutting down cases and keeping rabies from moving deeper into Ohio.

What Does “Forbidden Ravioli” Mean?

Ohioans jokingly call the vaccine baits “forbidden ravioli” because of how they look. Each bait is about one inch by two inches, with a waxy green coating that smells sweet. Inside is a small blister pack filled with liquid vaccine.

• To raccoons, it smells like food.
• To people, it looks like pasta.
• To dogs, it smells like a treat.

The nickname stuck, and now it’s used in news stories, online forums, and by the Ohio Department of Health itself. But while the name is funny, the purpose is serious—stopping rabies in wildlife before it reaches people or pets.

What It Means for Your Dog

Here’s where things get personal. You care about your dog’s safety, and you’re probably wondering: “What happens if my dog eats one of these?” Let’s break it down.

1. The Vaccine Is Not Harmful to Dogs

If your dog eats a bait, you don’t need to panic. The vaccine inside is made for raccoons, but it won’t infect dogs, cats, or people. It’s not the same as live rabies virus—it only helps the body build antibodies. 

The only concern is if a dog eats several baits at once, which could upset their stomach and cause temporary vomiting or diarrhea. Even then, the effects are mild compared to the danger of rabies itself.

2. Dogs Are Attracted to the Baits

The baits are coated with a sweet-smelling wax to get raccoons interested, but dogs are drawn to that same smell. This makes the baits hard to resist for curious pets on a walk. If your area is part of the Ohio program, it’s a good idea to keep your dog leashed and watch them closely. 

A quick sniff in the grass can turn into a snack, so supervision is key. Preventing them from eating multiple baits helps avoid stomach upset and keeps the program on track.

3. You Shouldn’t Handle the Baits Bare-Handed

If you find one of these “forbidden ravioli” in your yard, resist the urge to pick it up directly. The vaccine is safe, but the coating can leave residue you don’t want on your skin. Wearing gloves makes it safer to move the bait if needed. 

Relocate it to a wooded area, fence row, or ditch where raccoons are more likely to find it. This simple step protects both your pets and the purpose of the program while keeping your family safe.

4. The Program Protects Your Pets Long-Term

Even if your dog never touches a bait, the Ohio rabies program still benefits you. By creating a barrier of vaccinated raccoons, the chances of rabies spreading drop dramatically. That means your pets face fewer risks on walks, in the backyard, or during outdoor playtime. 

The long-term result is fewer rabid animals in the environment, which protects dogs, cats, livestock, and even people. Think of the program as a shield, quietly working in the background to keep your family safe year after year.

Common Questions About Rabies Baiting and Pets

People in Grove City and across Ohio often ask the same questions. Here are a few, with simple answers:

• Can my dog get sick from the vaccine? No, but too many baits may cause mild stomach issues.
• What if my child touches one? Wash hands with soap and water. The vaccine is not live rabies virus.
• How long do baits last? Most are eaten or gone within four days.
• Why can’t I just throw them out? Leaving them in the environment is key—they’re meant for raccoons, not the trash.

Why Protecting Dogs from Rabies Matters

Rabies is deadly, and there’s no cure once symptoms appear. That’s why prevention is so important. Dogs can get rabies if bitten by an infected raccoon, and from there, the risk spreads to people.

The vaccine baits may look strange, but they lower the number of rabid animals in the environment. That means safer backyards, safer trails, and fewer emergency vet visits for dog owners.

How to Protect Your Dog from Rabies

Even with the baiting program, you still need to keep your dog safe at home. Here’s how Skedaddle helps:

• Seal Entry Points: Our team finds and closes holes raccoons use to get into attics, garages, or sheds.
• Install One-Way Doors: These let wildlife leave safely but block re-entry.
• Clean and Secure: We protect insulation, vents, and wiring so nests can’t spread diseases.
• Prevent Future Risks: With humane methods, we make your property less attractive to wildlife carrying rabies.

By combining these steps with your dog’s regular vet care, you get full protection against rabies risks in your home and yard.

What Ohio Counties Are Seeing the Drops?

In 2025, the program includes 11 counties in Northeast Ohio:

• Ashtabula
• Belmont
• Carroll
• Columbiana
• Geauga
• Harrison
• Jefferson
• Lake
• Mahoning
• Portage
• Trumbull

If you live in or near these counties, you’re most likely to spot the “forbidden ravioli.” But even outside these areas, pets can encounter wildlife that moves across county lines.

What to Do If You Find a Bait

If you come across one of these vaccine baits, here’s what you should do to keep both your dog and the program safe:

• Leave it where it is if it’s in a safe spot.
• Move it carefully with gloves if it’s in your yard or where your dog could grab it.
• Don’t panic if your pet eats one—it isn’t harmful, but check with your vet.
• Teach kids not to touch strange objects outside.

These simple steps help the program succeed and keep your dog safe at the same time.

Keep Pets Safe While Wildlife Stays Wild

The Ohio raccoon rabies program shows how humans and animals can coexist safely. By spreading oral vaccines through bait, we reduce rabies cases in raccoons and lower risks for pets and people.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ohio, we support families who want both safety and compassion in dealing with wildlife. From sealing entry points to installing one-way doors, we help you stay ahead of risks.

Stay Ahead of Rabies Risks

The “forbidden ravioli” may look funny, but the mission behind it is serious: protecting pets and families from rabies. For dog owners in Grove City and across Ohio, the program is one more layer of protection. Still, keeping your home sealed and secure is just as important.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ohio, we combine humane methods with prevention-first strategies to protect pets, families, and homes. Request an estimate today to learn more about the Ohio raccoon rabies program, how rabies baiting and pets connect, and the steps we take in protecting dogs from rabies.