Rabies Control in Wild Carnivores

The control of rabies in wild carnivores has evolved from culling operations targeting vector species, to parenteral and oral vaccination of free-ranging vector populations. In order for a rabies control program to be successful, many variables must be evaluated including the timing of control tactic implementation, the ecology of the rabies vector species, and the density of vaccine-baits required to immunize the target population at a level that will result in the control or eradication of rabies from the target zone. Key to the effective control of rabies in wildlife populations, and prevention of re-initiation of outbreaks following control, will be restrictions on the importation of wildlife species that are at risk of importing disease pathogens such as rabies. It has been proven, both in Europe and in North America, that large-scale oral rabies vaccination programs targeting wild carnivore populations can be cost-effective as well as effective at controlling and eliminating rabies. Key to continued success of wildlife rabies control operations will be the design of effective contingency plans to respond to re-emergence of the disease as well as rabies management plans formulated by multi-jurisdictional collaborations at the international level.