Feline and Canine Rabies in New York State, USA

Abstract

In New York State, domestic animals are no longer considered rabies vector species, but given their ubiquity with humans, rabies cases in dogs and cats often result in multiple individuals requiring post-exposure prophylaxis. For over a decade, the New York State rabies laboratory has variant-typed these domestic animals to aid in epidemiological investigations, determine exposures, and generate demographic data. We produced a data set that outlined vaccination status, ownership, and rabies results. Our data demonstrate that a large percentage of felines submitted for rabies testing were not vaccinated or did not have a current rabies vaccination, while canines were largely vaccinated. Despite massive vaccination campaigns, free clinics, and education, these companion animals still occasionally contract rabies. Barring translocation events, we note that rabies-positive cats and dogs in New York State have exclusively contracted a raccoon variant. While the United States has made tremendous strides in reducing its rabies burden, we hope these data will encourage responsible pet ownership including rabies vaccinations to reduce unnecessary animal mortality, long quarantines, and post-exposure prophylaxis in humans.

Intensive Adoption as a Management Strategy for Unowned, Urban Cats: A Case Study of 25 Years of Trap–Assess–Resolve (TAR) in Auckland, New Zealand

“…While adoption is an important component of TNR, unadopted cats are still returned, so a significant population reduction may be delayed or unachievable. Whether this is acceptable will depend on the urgency of resolving problems, such as wildlife impacts or public health risks, which are not mitigated by neutering alone [ 25 , 80 ]. TNR is attractive to many because euthanasia is reduced [ 8 , 43 ], although the prevalence of desexing pregnant cats may be higher than many realise [ 81 ].…”

Ecological and Socioeconomic Factors in the Occurrence of Rabies: A Forgotten Scenario

“…The cost of dog vaccinations, the only scientifically established method of limiting human exposures and stopping the spread of the disease, is negligible [ 65 , 66 ]. The United States of America (USA) is one country that has maintained a significant investment in dog vaccination ($0.11/person/year) [ 67 , 68 ]. As a result, the cost of preventing rabies in the USA is relatively low ($0.02/person/year), and the rabies burden is also low (200 deaths per year across the continent, largely in Haiti) compared to regions where dog vaccination is not widely practiced [ 54 ].…”

“…Despite the World Bank’s recognition of zoonoses prevention and control as a “public good” and its backing for efforts to improve veterinary services (e.g., via the OIE Performance of Veterinary Services pathway), these efforts have been hampered by a lack of funding [ 69 , 70 ]. Vaccine prices vary widely from country to country, making it difficult for developing nations to execute mass vaccination programs without assistance from wealthier nations [ 68 , 71 ]. Potentially crucial roles could be played by vaccine banks, such as those managed by OIE [ 61 , 66 ].…”

On skunk rabies and its prevention in North America

“…However, having pre-exposure vaccination (receiving vaccine before an exposure to rabies occurs), both humans and animals does not always warrant 100% immunity after severe exposure to a confirmed rabid animal (Larghi 2004;National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Committee 2008). If the viral entry location (bites) is too close to the head or the spine, and a high RABV load has been delivered by a rabid animal, RABV could potentially reach the central nervous system (CNS) before the immune system can stop infection at the periphery (Brunt et al, 2021;Green t al., 2011). Once RABV reaches the CNS, rabies will be almost 100% fatal, thereby it is highly recommended to consult a veterinarian or a rabies medical expert to help assess exposure levels and decide the pertinence to provide booster vaccinations (Green et al, 2011;National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Committee 2008;Rupprecht et al, 2006).…”