Patterns of Raccoon Rabies in New York
Author Information
Author(s): Sergio Recuenco, Millicent Eidson, Martin Kulldorff, Glen Johnson, Bryan Cherry
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, University at Albany-SUNY
Hypothesis
What are the spatial and temporal patterns of enzootic raccoon variant rabies in New York State?
Conclusion
The study identified persistent clusters of raccoon rabies in Albany and varying clusters in the Finger Lakes region, highlighting the influence of geographical factors on rabies risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Statistically significant clusters were found in Albany, Finger Lakes, and South Hudson areas.
- Clusters showed cyclical changes in rabies activity every few years.
- The study utilized a well-established rabies surveillance system in New York State.
Takeaway
This study looked at where and when raccoon rabies happens in New York, finding certain areas have more rabies cases than others.
Methodology
The study used spatial scan statistics to identify rabies clusters over a seven-year period, adjusting for various geographical and human factors.
Potential Biases
Potential surveillance bias due to differential reporting in areas with higher human populations.
Limitations
The study did not account for potential surveillance bias or the influence of other diseases on rabies reporting.
Participant Demographics
The study included data from 48 counties in New York State, focusing on raccoon rabies cases.
Statistical Information
P-Value
≤0.001
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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