National surveillance for human and pet contact with oral rabies vaccine baits, 2001-2009.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the rate and absolute number of human and pet exposures to oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait containing liquid vaccinia rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine and to evaluate factors that might affect human contact with bait to modify the program and reduce human exposure to the vaccine.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of surveillance data (2001 to 2009).


METHODS
Reports on human and pet contact with ORV baits in states with ORV surveillance programs.


METHODS
Data were collected from passive, multistate ORV surveillance systems in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Data collected included the nature of human or pet contact with bait and vaccine, the caller's knowledge of the ORV bait program, local human population density, and other relevant demographic data.


RESULTS
All 18 states participated in the surveillance program for at least 1 year, for a combined 68 years of observation. One thousand four hundred thirty-six calls were reported, representing 3,076 found baits (6.89/100,000 baits dropped); 296 (20%) calls were related to human contact with ruptured bait, and 550 (38%) involved pet contact with the bait. Six adverse events in humans were reported, one of which required hospitalization. Fifty-nine adverse events in pets were noted, all of which were nonserious.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from surveillance activities have been used to improve baiting strategies and minimize human and pet contact with ORV baits. Overall, human and pet contact with ORV baits was infrequent. Surveillance has led to early identification of persons exposed to ORV and rapid intervention.
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, 1600 Clifton Rd, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Amira A
AA
Roess
Nancy
N
Rea
Edith
E
Lederman
Virginia
V
Dato
Richard
R
Chipman
Dennis
D
Slate
Mary G
MG
Reynolds
Inger K
IK
Damon
Charles E
CE
Rupprecht
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D057805:Pets; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011818:Rabies / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000009:adverse effects
D011819:Rabies Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic