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Human rabies prophylactics: the French experience
Y Rotivel1, M Goudal, A Simons de Fanti
1Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du, Docteur Roux, France. yrotivel@pasteur.fr
Vaccine
|January 18, 2003
Summary
Fox rabies was eradicated in France by 2001 through a collaborative One Health approach between human and veterinary medicine. This successful disease control program involved monitoring animal cases and post-exposure treatments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fox rabies was introduced to France in 1968, spreading inland at approximately 40 km per year.
- This led to the implementation of a comprehensive disease control and eradication program.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the key factors contributing to the successful eradication of rabies in terrestrial animals in France.
- To analyze data on animal and human rabies cases, post-exposure treatments, and surveillance efforts.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative efforts between human and veterinary medicine.
- Monitoring of rabies cases in terrestrial animals and humans.
- Surveillance of post-exposure treatments (PET), baiting, and oral vaccination programs for wildlife.
Main Results:
- Rabies in terrestrial animals was eradicated from France by 2001.
- No indigenous human rabies cases were reported during the program.
- Effective monitoring of post-exposure treatments (PET) was maintained.
Conclusions:
- The successful eradication of fox rabies in France highlights the effectiveness of a One Health strategy.
- Integrated surveillance and control measures, including oral vaccination, were crucial for disease elimination.
- Continued vigilance and monitoring are essential for preventing re-emergence.