Spatial analysis of rabies cases in foxes in Hungary between 1990 and 2001: a preliminary report

In this paper we present the methodology and some preliminary results of the spatial analysis of rabies positive fox cases diagnosed in Hungary between 1990 and 2001. A database has been built based on the data provided by the Animal Health and Food Control Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, of all registered positive cases, specifying the date, location and affected species. We have developed a Geographical Information System for the spatial analysis. The aim of the study is to analyse the spatial patterns of subsequent rabies cases. Beyond the well-documented seasonality of the cases we want to find out whether they show regular spatial patterns and if yes what is their nature. Another important question is whether clustering of data can be observed and how stable or reoccurring these clusters are at a given location or area. The results might be important in a later stage of the eradication campaign when a strategy for the maintenance of large, rabies free areas should be developed.