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Published on: June 29, 2020
Fox rabies in France
1Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Summary
Oral fox rabies vaccination dramatically reduced cases in France from 1989-1998, eliminating the disease. This strategy proved highly effective, though risks from bat and imported canine rabies persist.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary epidemiology
- Zoonotic disease control
Background:
- Fox rabies emerged in France in 1968, expanding despite initial control measures.
- Early strategies included population reduction, domestic animal vaccination, and human prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different rabies control strategies in France.
- To assess the impact of oral fox vaccination on rabies incidence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of rabies case data and enzootic area changes from 1968 to 1998.
- Comparison of outcomes from traditional control methods versus large-scale oral vaccination.
Main Results:
- Rabies incidence and geographic spread increased during the first two decades.
- Oral vaccination of foxes, initiated in 1989-1990, led to a significant decline in cases.
- Rabies was eradicated in France by the end of 1998.
Conclusions:
- Large-scale oral vaccination of foxes is a highly effective strategy for rabies elimination.
- France has successfully controlled fox rabies but remains vulnerable to bat rabies and imported canine rabies cases.
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