Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Enhanced Rabies Surveillance Using a Direct Rapid Immunohistochemical Test
Published on: April 30, 2019
Rabies detection in road-killed skunks (Mephitis mephitis)
M D Burkel1, M F Andrews, E C Meslow
1Department of Veterinary Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Abstract:
Three diagnostic techniques (1) microscopic examination for Negri bodies, (2) mouse inoculation and (3) fluorescent antibody tagging were compared as to their ability to detect rabies virus in 14 experimentally infected striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) exposed to normal summer weather conditions after death. The fluorescent antibody technique correctly identified rabies virus longer than either of the other methods. Rabies incidence in 61 road-killed skunks collected on the day following death in southeastern North Dakota was 26 per cent.
Insights
The fluorescent antibody technique is superior for detecting rabies virus in skunks, even after exposure to warm weather. This method identified the virus longer than microscopic examination or mouse inoculation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Diagnosis
Background:
- Rabies virus detection is crucial for public health and wildlife management.
- Accurate diagnostics are needed for rabies surveillance in skunk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of three diagnostic techniques for rabies virus detection in skunks.
- To evaluate the longevity of virus detectability under postmortem environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Experimentally infected skunks were tested using microscopic examination for Negri bodies, mouse inoculation, and fluorescent antibody tagging.
- Samples were assessed after exposure to summer weather conditions postmortem.
- Rabies incidence was determined in a cohort of road-killed skunks.
Main Results:
- The fluorescent antibody technique demonstrated superior sensitivity and duration for rabies virus detection compared to microscopic examination and mouse inoculation.
- Rabies virus was detectable by the fluorescent antibody technique for a longer period postmortem.
- A 26% rabies incidence was recorded in 61 road-killed skunks from North Dakota.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent antibody tagging is the most effective method for diagnosing rabies in skunks, especially under challenging postmortem conditions.
- Effective diagnostic tools are vital for monitoring rabies prevalence in wildlife populations.
- Findings have implications for rabies surveillance strategies in skunk populations.
