Rabies in skunks from Mexico

Area of Science:

• Veterinary medicine
• Epidemiology
• Public health

Background:

• An enzootic focus of rabies in skunks was identified in central San Luis Potosi State, Mexico.
• Rabies is a significant zoonotic disease with potential for enzootic cycles in wildlife populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the epidemiology of rabies in wild animals, with a focus on skunks, in central Mexico.
• To assess the public health implications of skunk-mediated rabies transmission.

Main Methods:

• A total of 53 wild animals, including 12 skunks, were tested for rabies using direct immunofluorescence assay between 1991 and 1997.
• Species identification and details of human-animal interactions were recorded for rabid animals.

Main Results:

• Rabies was detected in 21% of all tested mammals, with skunks showing a high prevalence (83%).
• Skunks accounted for 23% of tested mammals but 40% of all rabies cases in 1997 and 100% of wild animal rabies cases in the state.
• All 10 identified skunks (three hog-nosed, seven spotted) were involved in human attacks, with attacks occurring indoors and outdoors.

Conclusions:

• Skunks represent a significant reservoir for rabies in this region of Mexico, posing a considerable public health threat.
• Urgent epidemiological research and public awareness campaigns are necessary to mitigate the risk of human attacks by rabid skunks.