Experimental rabies in cats: immune response and persistence of immunity.

Experimental rabies was studied in cats under defined conditions. A correlation between the virus dosage and the incubation period was established and results were compared with those published previously by others. the susceptibility of cats to rabies virus appears to be paradoxical. The persistence of the immunity induced by an inactivated rabies vaccine prepared form cell culture-propagated virus used in combination with feline panleukopenia vaccine, with or without adjuvant, was studied through severe virulent virus challenge. Complete protection was observed after more than 3 years following a single vaccination. A proposed vaccination schedule is discussed.