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Rupprecht CE, Buchanan T, Cliquet F, King R, Müller T, Yakobson B, Yang DK. A Global Perspective on Oral Vaccination of Wildlife against Rabies. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:241-284. [PMID: 38381612 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The long-term mitigation of human-domestic animal-wildlife conflicts is complex and difficult. Over the last 50 yr, the primary biomedical concepts and actualized collaborative global field applications of oral rabies vaccination to wildlife serve as one dramatic example that revolutionized the field of infectious disease management of free-ranging animals. Oral vaccination of wildlife occurred in diverse locales within Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East, and North America. Although rabies is not a candidate for eradication, over a billion doses of vaccine-laden baits distributed strategically by hand, at baiting stations, or via aircraft, resulted in widespread disease prevention, control, or local disease elimination among mesocarnivores. Pure, potent, safe, and efficacious vaccines consisted of either modified-live, highly attenuated, or recombinant viruses contained within attractive, edible baits. Since the late 1970s, major free-ranging target species have included coyotes (Canis latrans), foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus; Vulpes vulpes), jackals (Canis aureus; Lupulella mesomelas), raccoons (Procyon lotor), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and skunks (Mephitis mephitis). Operational progress has occurred in all but the latter species. Programmatic evaluations of oral rabies vaccination success have included: demonstration of biomarkers incorporated within vaccine-laden baits in target species as representative of bait contact; serological measurement of the induction of specific rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, indicative of an immune response to vaccine; and most importantly, the decreasing detection of rabies virus antigens in the brains of collected animals via enhanced laboratory-based surveillance, as evidence of management impact. Although often conceived mistakenly as a panacea, such cost-effective technology applied to free-ranging wildlife represents a real-world, One Health application benefiting agriculture, conservation biology, and public health. Based upon lessons learned with oral rabies vaccination of mesocarnivores, opportunities for future extension to other taxa and additional diseases will have far-reaching, transdisciplinary benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Rupprecht
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA
| | - Tore Buchanan
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L1Z8, Canada
| | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, Domaine de Pixérécourt, CS 40009 Malzeville, France
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Am V'Olamo 3, Jerusalem 95463, Israel
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Boris Yakobson
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Derech HaMaccabim 62, Rishon Lezion, 50250, Israel
| | - Dong-Kun Yang
- Viral Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 177, Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 39660, Republic of Korea
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Robardet E, Zdravkova A, Ilieva D, Hakmann E, Georgopoulou I, Tasioudi K, Nokireki T, Isomursu M, Jankovic IL, Lojkic I, Serzants M, Zommere Z, Masiulis M, Jaceviciene I, Vuta V, Wasniewski M, Dilaveris D. Retrospective analysis of sero-prevalence and bait uptake estimations in foxes after oral rabies vaccination programmes at European level: Lessons learned and paths forward. Vet Microbiol 2024; 288:109917. [PMID: 38039917 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Rabies caused by the Classical Rabies Virus (Lyssavirus rabies abbreviated RABV) in the European Union has been close to elimination mainly thanks to Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) campaigns targeting wildlife (primarily red foxes). ORV programmes co-financed by the European Commission include a monitoring-component to assess the effectiveness of the ORV campaigns at national level. This assessment is performed by a random collection of red foxes in the vaccinated areas with control of antibodies presence by serological analysis and control of bait uptake by detection of biomarkers (tetracycline incorporated into the baits) in the bones and teeth. ORV programmes aim to a vaccine coverage high enough to immunize (ideally) 70 % of the reservoir population to control the spread of the disease. European Union (EU) programmes that led to almost elimination of rabies on the territory have been traditionally found to have a bait uptake average of 70 % (EU countries; 2010-2020 period) while the seroconversion data showed an average level of 40 % (EU countries; 2010-2020 period). To better understand variations of these indicators, a study was been set up to evaluate the impact of several variables (linked to the vaccination programme itself and linked to environmental conditions) on the bait uptake and the seroconversion rate. Thus, pooling data from several countries provides more powerful statistics and the highest probability of detecting trends. Results of this study advocate the use of a single serological test across the EU since data variation due to the type of test used was higher than variations due to field factors, making the interpretation of monitoring results at EU level challenging. In addition, the results indicates a negative correlation between bait uptake and maximum temperatures reached during ORV campaigns questioning the potential impact of climatic change and associated increase of temperatures on the ORV programmes efficiency. Several hypotheses requesting additional investigation are drawn and discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Robardet
- Anses, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, EURL for Rabies, Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS 40 009, 54220 Malzéville Cedex, France.
| | - Anna Zdravkova
- Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, 15 Pencho Slaveykov Blvd., Sofia 1606, Bulgaria
| | - Darinka Ilieva
- National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Institute, 15 Pencho Slaveykov Blvd., Sofia 1606, Bulgaria
| | - Enel Hakmann
- Veterinary and Food Board, Teaduse 2, Saku, Harjumaa 7550 Väike-Paala 3, Tallinn 11415, Estonia
| | - Ioanna Georgopoulou
- Department of Zoonoses, Animal Health Directorate, Directorate General of Veterinary Medicine, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 46, Veranzerou str, PC 104 38 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantia Tasioudi
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Ricketsial and Exotic diseases, Athens Veterinary Centre, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 25, Neapoleos str, PC 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Tiina Nokireki
- Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Finnish Food Authority, Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Isomursu
- Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Finnish Food Authority, Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Ivana Lohman Jankovic
- Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Lojkic
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martins Serzants
- Food and Veterinary Service, Peldu street 30, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
| | - Zanete Zommere
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Marius Masiulis
- State Food and Veterinary Service, Siesiku str., 19 07170 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Jaceviciene
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, J. Kairiukscio str. 10, LT-08409 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vlad Vuta
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health, str dr staicovici nr, 63, 050557 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marine Wasniewski
- Anses, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, EURL for Rabies, Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS 40 009, 54220 Malzéville Cedex, France
| | - Dimitrios Dilaveris
- European Commission, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
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Vaccine-induced Rabies in a Red Fox in Poland. J Vet Res 2022; 66:473-477. [PMID: 36846029 PMCID: PMC9944997 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rabies as a zoonosis threatens public health worldwide. Several thousand people die each year of infections by the rabies virus (RABV). Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of wildlife was successfully implemented in many European countries and led to rabies being brought under control there. In Poland, ORV was introduced in 1993 using vaccines containing an attenuated strain of the rabies virus. However, attenuated rabies viruses may have residual pathogenicity and cause the disease in target and non-target animals. Material and Methods A red fox carcass was tested as part of national rabies surveillance, and its brain was screened for RABV infection using two conjugates and a fluorescent antibody test (FAT). The rabies virus was isolated in mouse neuroblastoma cells by rabies tissue culture infection test (RTCIT), and viral RNA was detected by heminested reverse transcriptase PCR (hnRT-PCR) as well as by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (rtRT-qPCR). An amplicon of 600 bp was subjected to Sanger sequencing. To differentiate between vaccine and field RABV strains, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using the Dra I, Msp I, Nla IV and Mbo II restriction endonucleases was performed. Results The rabies virus was detected in the fox's brain using FAT, RTCIT and molecular tests. The PCR-RFLP revealed of vaccine-induced rabies, and full-length genome analysis showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity of the isolate with the reference sequences of Street Alabama Dufferin Bern (SAD Bern) vaccine strains and other vaccine-induced rabies virus isolates detected in animals and deposited in GenBank. Conclusion We detected vaccine-induced rabies for the first time in Poland in a fox during routine rabies surveillance.
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Aly NI, Elnaker YF, Salama ZTS, Diab MS, Saber EA, Sotohy SA, Elfeil WK, Khodeir MH. Preparation and the assessed efficacy of oral baits for the vaccination of free-roaming dogs against rabies. Vet World 2022; 15:1383-1390. [PMID: 35765489 PMCID: PMC9210852 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1383-1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rabies is considered a highly fatal zoonotic disease and many deaths in humans have been associated with dog bites. This study was designed to prepare an oral anti-rabies vaccine in the form of baits to eliminate the disease in free-roaming dogs and subsequently protect humans from dog bites. Materials and Methods: The Evelyn Rokintniki Abelseth (ERA) rabies virus strain was propagated in baby hamster kidney cell cultures and adjusted to the recommended dose for application. Four forms of oral baits were employed with the rabies vaccine, which was evaluated for safety, acceptability, and potency in different dog groups. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the serum neutralization test (SNT) were used to determine the protective rabies antibody titer in the sera of vaccinated dogs. Results: According to the results, a dose of 3 mL of the ERA strain, containing a viral titer of 107.6 TCID50/mL, induced a mean antibody titer of 25.6 by SNT, and the PI% was 75.7 by Block ELISA, providing a protective level of the rabies antibody in 100% of vaccinated dogs. All used baits were found to be safe, inducing no abnormal general post-vaccination signs (the signs are limited to mild fever, mild loss of appetite, and mild-to-moderate loss of energy for 24-36 h after vaccination). Conclusion: It was found that most of the accepted and highly potent bait types consisted of a mixture of wheat flour, vegetable oil, sodium alginate, corn starch, meat meal, cellulose gum, and water. This dog meal was covered with bran and edible wax to seal the bait cavity after inserting the vaccine sachet. This bait was able to induce a protective level of rabies antibodies in 100% of vaccinated dogs after receiving one bait/dog. Hence, such a bait could be recommended for use in the protection of free-roaming dogs and the elimination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa I. Aly
- Department of Pet Animal Vaccine Research Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasser F. Elnaker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El-Kharga, Egypt
| | - Zeinab T. S. Salama
- Department of Pet Animal Vaccine Research Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S. Diab
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El-Kharga, Egypt
| | - Eman A. Saber
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El-Kharga, Egypt
| | - Sotohy A. Sotohy
- Department of Animal, Poultry and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Wael K. Elfeil
- Department of Avian and Rabbit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H. Khodeir
- Department of Pet Animal Vaccine Research Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abassia, Cairo, Egypt
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Abstract
This report of the EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2020 in 27 EU Member States (MS) and nine non-MS. Key statistics on zoonoses and zoonotic agents in humans, food, animals and feed are provided and interpreted historically. Two events impacted 2020 MS data collection and related statistics: the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. In 2020, the first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. The EU trend for confirmed human cases of these two diseases was stable (flat) from 2016 to 2020. Fourteen of the 26 MS reporting data on Salmonella control programmes in poultry met the reduction targets for all poultry categories. Salmonella results for carcases of various species performed by competent authorities were more frequently positive than own-checks conducted by food business operators. This was also the case for Campylobacter quantification results from broiler carcases for the MS group that submitted data from both samplers, whereas overall at EU level, those percentages were comparable. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, with 10-fold less cases reported than salmonellosis, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. Illnesses caused by L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases with the highest case fatality. In 2020, 27 MS reported 3,086 foodborne outbreaks (a 47.0% decrease from 2019) and 20,017 human cases (a 61.3% decrease). Salmonella remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Salmonella in 'eggs and egg products', norovirus in 'crustaceans, shellfish, molluscs and products containing them' and L. monocytogenes in 'fish and fish products' were the agent/food pairs of most concern. This report also provides updates on tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium caprae, Brucella, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Toxoplasma, rabies, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and tularaemia.
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Zienius D, Mickutė J, Pautienius A, Grigas J, Stankevičius A, Pridotkas G, Jacevičius E, Kemeraitė J, Jacevičienė I. Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania. Acta Vet Scand 2021; 63:12. [PMID: 33743780 PMCID: PMC7981835 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-021-00577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabies vaccination of wildlife carnivores is a powerful tool to prevent, control and eliminate rabies. The presence of neutralizing rabies antibodies in blood is considered a reliable indicator of adequate vaccination. The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the seroprevalence of specific antibodies in target populations of Lithuanian red fox (RF) and raccoon dog (RD) during the oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns during the 2010-2019 period. RESULTS Over the ten-year period, 7,261 RF and 2,146 RD sera samples were collected post-mortem in field conditions and tested using a commercial standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in Lithuania. In the ORV spring and autumn vaccination periods, 31.8% (20.3-43.4 95% CI - 95% confidence interval) and 31.7% (21.2-42.1 95% CI) of RF, and 34.1% (22.5-45.7 95% CI) and 34.7% (22.7-46.7 95% CI) of RD sera samples, respectively, were identified as ELISA-positive (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL-Equivalent Units per Millilitre). The seroprevalence analysis in adult/ juvenile animal subpopulations indicated that 34.9% (27.2-42.5 95% CI) and 29.2% (20.3-37.9 95% CI) of RF, and 35.6% (25.2-46.0 95% CI) and 30.6% (20.2-40.9 95% CI) of RD sera samples, respectively, were identified as ELISA-positive (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL). Statistically strong determinate correlations (r) between the serological results (pos.%) in RF adult/juvenile animal subpopulations (r = 0.937) and between RF and RD positive seroconvert (pos.%) sera samples during the spring vaccinations (r = 0.864) were demonstrated. In different ORV periods, 14-29% of RF and 7-25% of RD sera samples were identified as ELISA-negative (seroconversion < 0.5 EU/mL), but with low (0.125 < 0.49 EU/mL) antibody (Abs) titres. CONCLUSIONS The 2010-2019 ORV programme has been an effective tool in both RF and RD populations in Lithuania. The rabies-free status of Lithuania was self-declared in 2015 with only three rabies cases identified in buffer zones since then. The percentage of ELISA-positive serum samples (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL) during the different periods of vaccination was similar in RF and RD populations-32% and 34% respectively. The identified seroconversion average of 21.5% in RF and 16% in RD sera samples were officially identified as ELISA-negative (seronversion < 0.5 EU/mL), but with low 0.125 < 0.49 EU/mL Abs titres. That low, but positive seroconversion participated in the formation of populations overall immune status and can influence the interpretation of oral vaccination efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dainius Zienius
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuania, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Janina Mickutė
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuania, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arnoldas Pautienius
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuania, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Grigas
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuania, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Stankevičius
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuania, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Pridotkas
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, J. Kairiūkščio str. 10, 08409 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Eugenijus Jacevičius
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, J. Kairiūkščio str. 10, 08409 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jolita Kemeraitė
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, J. Kairiūkščio str. 10, 08409 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Jacevičienė
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, J. Kairiūkščio str. 10, 08409 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Abstract
This report of the EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2019 in 36 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and eight non-MS). The first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. The EU trend for confirmed human cases of these two diseases was stable (flat) during 2015-2019. The proportion of human salmonellosis cases due to Salmonella Enteritidis acquired in the EU was similar to that in 2017-2018. Of the 26 MS reporting on Salmonella control programmes in poultry, 18 met the reduction targets, whereas eight failed to meet at least one. The EU prevalence of Salmonella target serovar-positive flocks has been stable since 2015 for breeding hens, laying hens, broilers and fattening turkeys, with fluctuations for breeding turkey flocks. Salmonella results from competent authorities for pig carcases and for poultry tested through national control programmes were more frequently positive than those from food business operators. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection was the third most reported zoonosis in humans and increased from 2015 to 2019. Yersiniosis was the fourth most reported zoonosis in humans in 2019 with a stable trend in 2015-2019. The EU trend of confirmed listeriosis cases remained stable in 2015-2019 after a long period of increase. Listeria rarely exceeded the EU food safety limit tested in ready-to-eat food. In total, 5,175 food-borne outbreaks were reported. Salmonella remained the most detected agent but the number of outbreaks due to S. Enteritidis decreased. Norovirus in fish and fishery products was the agent/food pair causing the highest number of strong-evidence outbreaks. The report provides further updates on bovine tuberculosis, Brucella, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Toxoplasma, rabies, West Nile virus, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and tularaemia.
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Dascalu MA, Wasniewski M, Picard-Meyer E, Servat A, Daraban Bocaneti F, Tanase OI, Velescu E, Cliquet F. Detection of rabies antibodies in wild boars in north-east Romania by a rabies ELISA test. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:466. [PMID: 31864363 PMCID: PMC6925894 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last few decades, Romania has been considered one of the European countries most affected by animal rabies, but a combination of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns in foxes alongside mandatory vaccination of pets has substantially decreased the number of rabies cases in recent years. The objective of this study was to detect rabies antibodies in wild boar serum and thoracic fluid samples collected during the hunting season after ORV campaigns in north-eastern Romania in order to identify if wild boars are substantial competitors to foxes for ORV baits. Results When the 312 wild boar samples were tested by ELISA (BioPro ELISA, Czech Republic), 42.31% (132/312) demonstrated rabies antibodies. In order to compare these wild boar results in terms of the percentage of immunisation, fox samples were also included in the study, and in this case only 28.40% (98/345) demonstrated rabies antibodies by ELISA. To check the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this ELISA, those samples with a sufficient volume from both species that had tested either negative or positive with an initial ELISA were then tested with the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation (FAVN) assay. The overall concordance between the BioPro ELISA and FAVN test was 74.26% (75/101) in wild boar samples and 65.66% (65/99) in fox samples, 140 out of 200 samples being correlated with the two methods, although no significant statistical difference (p = 0.218) between the two species was registered. We found a good agreement by both tests for the ELISA-positive samples (91.30%), however the situation was different for the ELISA-negative samples, where a low agreement was demonstrated (41.18%). Conclusions This study reports for the first time the presence of rabies antibodies in wild boar samples collected during the hunting season in Romania after ORV campaigns in rabies endemic areas. It is also the first study to demonstrate that ELISA BioPro can be used on wild boar samples with satisfactory results compared to the FAVN test for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Anca Dascalu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Marine Wasniewski
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Evelyne Picard-Meyer
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Alexandre Servat
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Florentina Daraban Bocaneti
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania
| | - Oana Irina Tanase
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Velescu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania
| | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
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Robardet E, Bosnjak D, Englund L, Demetriou P, Martín PR, Cliquet F. Zero Endemic Cases of Wildlife Rabies (Classical Rabies Virus, RABV) in the European Union by 2020: An Achievable Goal. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E124. [PMID: 31575054 PMCID: PMC6958318 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The elimination of rabies transmitted by Classical Rabies Virus (RABV) in the European Union (EU) is now in sight. Scientific advances have made it possible to develop oral vaccination for wildlife by incorporating rabies vaccines in baits for foxes. At the start of the 1980s, aerial distribution of vaccine baits was tested and found to be a promising tool. The EU identified rabies elimination as a priority, and provided considerable financial and technical resources to the infected EU Member States, allowing regular and large-scale rabies eradication programs based on aerial vaccination. The EU also provides support to non-EU countries in its eastern and south eastern borders. The key elements of the rabies eradication programs are oral rabies vaccination (ORV), quality control of vaccines and control of their distribution, rabies surveillance and monitoring of the vaccination effectiveness. EU Member States and non-EU countries with EU funded eradication programs counted on the technical support of the rabies subgroup of the Task Force for monitoring disease eradication and of the EU Reference Laboratory (EURL) for rabies. In 2018, eight rabies cases induced by classical rabies virus RABV (six in wild animals and two in domestic animals) were detected in three EU Member States, representing a sharp decrease compared to the situation in 2010, where there were more than 1500 cases in nine EU Member States. The goal is to reach zero cases in wildlife and domestic animals in the EU by 2020, a target that now seems achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Robardet
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire de Pixérécourt, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France.
| | - Dean Bosnjak
- European Commission-Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lena Englund
- European Commission-Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Panayiotis Demetriou
- European Commission-Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pedro Rosado Martín
- European Commission-Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Florence Cliquet
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire de Pixérécourt, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France.
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10
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Efficacy of oral rabies vaccination in individual age groups of juvenile red foxes. Vet Microbiol 2018; 226:59-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Reconsidering Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Uptake Evaluation at Population Level: A Simple, Noninvasive, and Ethical Method by Fecal Survey Using a Physical Biomarker. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:200-205. [PMID: 30016214 DOI: 10.7589/2018-02-045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tetracycline and rhodamine are bait uptake biomarkers commonly used for decades in oral rabies vaccination campaigns. They require tooth collection and the capture or death of animals. Here, we considered the use of marked baits with plastic beads, a physical biomarker allowing noninvasive scat survey by direct observation in the field. Such methodology would be in compliance with animal welfare concerns. The development of a relative bait uptake estimation on the basis of observation marked scat could indeed be beneficial for the monitoring of oral vaccination programs, especially in programs dedicated to dogs ( Canis familiaris) or protected species.
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12
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Ortmann S, Kretzschmar A, Kaiser C, Lindner T, Freuling C, Kaiser C, Schuster P, Mueller T, Vos A. In Vivo Safety Studies With SPBN GASGAS in the Frame of Oral Vaccination of Foxes and Raccoon Dogs Against Rabies. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:91. [PMID: 29868616 PMCID: PMC5968751 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to obtain Marketing Authorization for an oral rabies vaccine in the European Union, not only safety studies in the target species, red fox and raccoon dog, are required. Since baits are distributed unsupervised in the environment, specific safety studies in selected non-target species are compulsory. Furthermore, oral rabies vaccines are based on live, replication-competent viruses and thus distinct safety studies in the target species for such type of vaccines are also mandatory. Here, the results of these safety studies in target and selected non-target species for a 3rd generation oral rabies virus vaccine construct, SPBN GASGAS (Rabitec), are presented. The studies included the following species; red fox, raccoon dog, domestic dog, domestic cat, domestic pig, wild rodents. The following safety topics were investigated; overdose, repeated dose, dissemination, shedding, horizontal and vertical transmission. It was shown that SPBN GASGAS did not cause disease or any other adverse reaction in vaccinated animals and naïve contact animals. The vaccine did not disseminate within the host beyond the site of entry. No horizontal transmission was observed in wild rodents. In the target species, there was evidence that in a few cases horizontal transmission of vaccine virus could have occurred under these experimental conditions; most likely immediately after vaccine administration. The vaccine construct SPBN GASGAS meets therefore the latest revised minimal safety requirements as laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Conrad Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Mueller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ad Vos
- IDT Biologika GmbH, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
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13
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Papatheodorou DP, Tasioudi KE, Korou LM, Georgiou V, Iliadou P, Markantonatos G, Kirtzalidou A, Tzani M, Chondrokouki E, Mangana-Vougiouka O. First four Oral Rabies Vaccination campaigns of the red foxes in Greece: Evaluating factors and assessment. Vet Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29519504 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Following the last animal rabies outbreak in Greece in 2012, Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) campaigns of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were conducted in order to halt the spread of the disease, as widely and effectively have also been implemented in other countries. The present study aims to report the main outcomes following the first Greek ORV campaigns during autumn 2013, 2014, 2015 and spring 2016, to assess their effectiveness and to investigate factors potentially related to their success. Blood samples, mandible bones and teeth, derived by 452 foxes, were tested for rabies antibody titration, animal age determination and tetracycline (TTC) detection. The laboratory results obtained were statistically analyzed. High seroprevalence and TTC detection rates were obtained following the autumn campaigns studied, while these rates were significantly reduced following the spring campaign. The year or the season of the vaccination campaign, the estimated age group of the animal and the geographical Regional Unit (RU), where the animal was hunted, were identified as important factors. On the contrary, no significance could be ascertained for TTC detection based on exclusively previous uptake, use of filter paper, blood sample type and quality, as well as sex of animal. Based on the monitoring results achieved, the first ORV campaigns conducted in the country can be generally considered to be satisfactory. No positives cases were detected since May 2014. Seasonal, geographical parameters and factors related to fox ecology may interfere with monitoring results and should be always considered when planning future ORV programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimos P Papatheodorou
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece.
| | - Konstantia E Tasioudi
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Laskarina-Maria Korou
- Department of Zoonoses, Animal Health Directorate, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Peristera Iliadou
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Markantonatos
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Kirtzalidou
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Myrsini Tzani
- Department of Zoonoses, Animal Health Directorate, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Chondrokouki
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Mangana-Vougiouka
- Virology Laboratory-National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Animals, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial & Exotic Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Athens, Directorate General of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
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14
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Factors influencing the success of aerial rabies vaccination of foxes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14376. [PMID: 29085017 PMCID: PMC5662741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sylvatic rabies has been eradicated from most of Central Europe, but cases still occur in the Balkans. Oral rabies vaccination of foxes is an effective method for controlling the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of aerial vaccination campaigns conducted in Montenegro by identifying ecological, environmental and climatic factors that influenced the prevalence of antibodies to the rabies vaccine. To monitor the bait uptake and the serological responses to vaccination, foxes were shot by hunters. Of 175 shot foxes, 142 foxes (81.1%) had consumed baits. Of these only a total of 81 (57.0%) tested positive for rabies vaccine antibodies, possibly, due to the delayed uptake of bait in which the rabies vaccine was already inactivated. We found that low vaccination responses were associated with high fox density and bait delivery in open areas. In high fox density habitat, bait uptake might be delayed as other food and prey options for foxes are abundant. Similarly, delayed bait uptake probably occurred in open areas as such areas are less frequently used by foxes. The findings of this study suggest that efficacy of oral rabies vaccination by aerial delivery is associated with landscape features.
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15
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Efficacy of the oral rabies virus vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS in foxes and raccoon dogs. Vaccine 2017; 37:4750-4757. [PMID: 29042202 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.09.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To test the immunogenicity and efficacy of a new oral rabies virus vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS in wildlife target species, one group of foxes and two groups of raccoon dogs were offered a bait containing 1.7 ml of the vaccine (106.6 FFU/ml; 106.8 FFU/dose) and subsequently challenged approximately 180 days later with a fox rabies virus isolate. One group of raccoon dogs (n=30) received the same challenge dose (100.7 MICLD50/ml) as the red foxes (n=29). The other group with raccoon dogs (n=28) together with 8 animals that received the vaccine dose by direct instillation into the oral cavity (DIOC) were infected with a 40-fold higher dose of the challenge virus (102.3 MICLD50/ml). All but one of the 29 vaccinated foxes survived the challenge infection; meanwhile all 12 control foxes succumbed to rabies. Twenty-eight of 30 vaccinated raccoon dogs challenged with the same dose survived the infection, however only six of 12 control animals succumbed. When the higher challenge dose was administered, all 12 control animals died from rabies and all 36 vaccinated animals (28 baited plus 8 DIOC) survived. Blood samples were collected at different time points post vaccination and examined by both RFFIT and ELISA. The kinetics of the measured immune response was similar for both species, although in RFFIT slightly higher values were observed in foxes than in raccoon dogs. However, the immune response as measured in ELISA was identical for both species. The oral rabies virus vaccine SPBN GASGAS meets the efficacy requirements for live rabies virus vaccines as laid down by the European Pharmacopoeia.
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16
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Maki J, Guiot AL, Aubert M, Brochier B, Cliquet F, Hanlon CA, King R, Oertli EH, Rupprecht CE, Schumacher C, Slate D, Yakobson B, Wohlers A, Lankau EW. Oral vaccination of wildlife using a vaccinia-rabies-glycoprotein recombinant virus vaccine (RABORAL V-RG ®): a global review. Vet Res 2017; 48:57. [PMID: 28938920 PMCID: PMC5610451 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RABORAL V-RG® is an oral rabies vaccine bait that contains an attenuated ("modified-live") recombinant vaccinia virus vector vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein gene (V-RG). Approximately 250 million doses have been distributed globally since 1987 without any reports of adverse reactions in wildlife or domestic animals since the first licensed recombinant oral rabies vaccine (ORV) was released into the environment to immunize wildlife populations against rabies. V-RG is genetically stable, is not detected in the oral cavity beyond 48 h after ingestion, is not shed by vaccinates into the environment, and has been tested for thermostability under a range of laboratory and field conditions. Safety of V-RG has been evaluated in over 50 vertebrate species, including non-human primates, with no adverse effects observed regardless of route or dose. Immunogenicity and efficacy have been demonstrated under laboratory and field conditions in multiple target species (including fox, raccoon, coyote, skunk, raccoon dog, and jackal). The liquid vaccine is packaged inside edible baits (i.e., RABORAL V-RG, the vaccine-bait product) which are distributed into wildlife habitats for consumption by target species. Field application of RABORAL V-RG has contributed to the elimination of wildlife rabies from three European countries (Belgium, France and Luxembourg) and of the dog/coyote rabies virus variant from the United States of America (USA). An oral rabies vaccination program in west-central Texas has essentially eliminated the gray fox rabies virus variant from Texas with the last case reported in a cow during 2009. A long-term ORV barrier program in the USA using RABORAL V-RG is preventing substantial geographic expansion of the raccoon rabies virus variant. RABORAL V-RG has also been used to control wildlife rabies in Israel for more than a decade. This paper: (1) reviews the development and historical use of RABORAL V-RG; (2) highlights wildlife rabies control programs using the vaccine in multiple species and countries; and (3) discusses current and future challenges faced by programs seeking to control or eliminate wildlife rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Maki
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA 30601 USA
| | | | | | - Bernard Brochier
- Institut Scientifique de Santé Publique, Service Maladies Virales, Laboratoire National de la rage, Direction Opérationnelle Maladies Transmissibles et Infectieuses, rue Engeland 642, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES-Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire de Pixérécourt, B.P. 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Cathleen A. Hanlon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rabies Team Lead, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve’Olamo Street, Jerusalem, 95463 Israel
| | | | | | - Caroline Schumacher
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Dennis Slate
- USDA-Wildlife Services, 59 Chenell Dr, Concord, NH 03301 USA
| | - Boris Yakobson
- Rabies Department, Kimron Veterinary Institute, 20250 Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Anne Wohlers
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA 30601 USA
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