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Bat rabies in South Carolina, 1970-90.
E K Parker1, H Dowda, S E Redden
1Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, South Carolina 29223, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Rabies testing in South Carolina bats (1970-1990) revealed geographic and temporal patterns. Lasiurus borealis showed the highest rabies prevalence, with most rabid bats submitted in late summer and fall.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Rabies remains a significant public health concern, transmitted primarily through wildlife reservoirs.
- Bats are a common reservoir for rabies virus, necessitating surveillance and testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the geographic and temporal distribution of bat species submitted for rabies testing in South Carolina.
- To compare exposure histories of rabid and nonrabid bats.
- To determine rabies prevalence in different bat species.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of bat submissions for rabies testing in South Carolina from 1970 to 1990.
- Comparison of exposure histories for rabid and nonrabid bats.
- Calculation of rabies prevalence by species and submission time.
Main Results:
- 2,657 bats were tested, with 231 (8.7%) confirmed rabid.
- Lasiurus borealis (785 specimens) and Nycticeius humeralis (607 specimens) were most frequently submitted.
- Lasiurus borealis had the highest rabies prevalence (18%), while Nycticeius humeralis had the lowest (3%).
- Most bats (51%) were submitted from June to August; rabid bats were predominantly received from August to October (54%).
Conclusions:
- Bat rabies surveillance in South Carolina exhibits distinct temporal and species-specific patterns.
- Understanding these patterns aids in targeted public health interventions and risk assessment.
- Lasiurus borealis represents a significant rabies reservoir in this region.