Skunk rabies surveillance in Illinois.
Surveillance data indicated that an increased incidence of skunk rabies in Illinois during 1979-1980 was not attributable to increased reporting or submission of skunks to the state laboratories for rabies examination. Available road-kill data suggested that the skunk population increased prior to the increase in skunk rabies incidence. An increased skunk population was hypothesized to have caused the increased incidence by facilitating transmission of the virus through increased skunk density. Analysis of the temporal distribution of skunk rabies revealed a bimodal seasonal cycle, with peak occurrence in the spring and fall, and the possible beginning of a secular cycle, with peak incidence every 6 to 8 years.
D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora; D007087:Illinois; D012889:Mephitidae; D011156:Population Density; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012621:Seasons