LAKE COUNTY, Ohio -- A two-week program to vaccinate raccoons for rabies will begin Monday in Lake and Geauga counties, and parts of Cuyahoga, Portage and Summit counties.

Bait containing the vaccine will be placed throughout the targeted regions.

On average, one bait is found for every 3.3 acres, covering a total of 1,149 square miles.

The bait is not harmful to people, pets or livestock. If you find a bait near your home, you should leave it alone.

However, if it is found in a place where pets or children could come in contact with it, put on gloves and put it into into deeper cover.

If the bait is open or damaged, discard it.

Pet owners should keep their animals inside or on leashes for several days after their area has been baited.

Most bait should be gone in about three days.

The U.S. and Ohio departments of agriculture, the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources are all assisting in the vaccination effort, along with the Lake County General Health District.