Working with the US Department of Agriculture, the aerial distribution of oral vaccine packets to prevent rabies in raccoons began Thursday in Northeast Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.“Controlling raccoon rabies keeps people, pets, and livestock safe,” said State Epidemiologist John Dunn, DVM, PhD. “We’re pleased to partner with USDA Wildlife Services in this program to reduce rabies in wildlife and protect the community.”The packets will be distributed by low-flying aircraft and helicopter.