The Ascension of Wildlife Rabies: A Cause for Public Health Concern or Intervention?
1995
The Rise of Wildlife Rabies and Its Public Health Impact
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Charles E. Rupprecht, Jean S. Smith, Makonnen Fekadu, James E. Childs
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
How have human activities influenced the epidemiology of rabies in wildlife?
Conclusion
Rabies in wildlife has increased significantly, necessitating innovative public health strategies for control.
Supporting Evidence
- Rabies cases in wildlife have increased as domestic animal cases have decreased.
- Human deaths from rabies in the U.S. have declined to an average of one or two per year.
- Costs associated with rabies prevention and control are estimated to be between $230 million to $1 billion annually.
Takeaway
Rabies is spreading among wild animals like raccoons and bats, and we need new ways to stop it to keep people safe.
Limitations
The study does not provide specific data on the effectiveness of current rabies control measures.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website