Influence of oral rabies vaccine bait density on rabies seroprevalence in wild raccoons.
The effect of different oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait densities (75, 150, and 300 baits/km(2)) on the seroprevalence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNAs) in raccoons (Procyon lotor) was assessed at a 15% seroprevalence difference threshold in rural areas of northeast Ohio. Results (n=588 raccoons) indicated that seropositivity for RVNAs was associated with both bait density and bait campaign frequency. Associations were not detected for raccoon gender, age, or macro-habitat. The odds of being seropositive were greater for raccoons originating from 300 bait/km(2) treatment areas relative to those coming from the 75 bait/km(2) areas (odds ratio [OR]=4.4, probability [P]<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.4-7.9), while accounting for cumulative ORV campaigns. No statistical advantage in seroprevalence was detected when comparing 150-75 baits/km(2). These results indicate that a relatively extreme bait density when evenly distributed may be necessary to obtain a significant increase in seroprevalence. Higher bait densities may be more appropriate and less costly to address focused outbreaks than labor intensive trap-vaccinate-release and local population reduction campaigns. Finally, dramatic increases in seroprevalence of RVNA were not observed in raccoons between sequential, semi-annual campaigns, yet cumulative ORV campaigns were associated with gradual increases in seroprevalence.
Sattler
Andrew C
AC
All Creatures Animal Hospital, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA.
Krogwold
Roger A
RA
Wittum
Thomas E
TE
Rupprecht
Charles E
CE
Algeo
Timothy P
TP
Slate
Dennis
D
Smith
Kathleen A
KA
Hale
Robert L
RL
Nohrenberg
Gary A
GA
Lovell
Charles D
CD
Niezgoda
Mike
M
Montoney
Andrew J
AJ
Slemons
Richard D
RD
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011821:Raccoons / Q000821:virology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D011819:Rabies Vaccines