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A Trap-Vaccinate-Release Protocol for Immunization of Skunks and Additional Rabies Vectors Against Rabies
Published on: November 29, 2024
Vaccinating the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus against rabies
M F Almeida1, L F A Martorelli, C C Aires
1School of Medicine, University of São Paulo and LIM01 HCFMUSP, Brazil; Laboratory of Rabies, Zoonosis Control Center of São Paulo City, Brazil. marilene@prefeitura.sp.gov.br
Virus Research
|September 2, 2008
Summary
This study improved oral rabies immunization for vampire bats using a concentrated V-RG vaccine. Concentrated vaccine and vector bats increased bat survival rates after rabies challenge.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Previous studies demonstrated the immunogenicity of the V-RG vaccine for vampire bat rabies immunization.
- Vaccine loss and suboptimal survival rates after challenge necessitated improved vaccine concentration methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new method for concentrating the V-RG vaccine for oral rabies immunization in vampire bats.
- To assess the efficacy of concentrated vaccine delivered via vector bats in increasing survival rates post-rabies challenge.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of seven captive vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) were immunized with V-RG vaccine concentrated by ultrafiltration.
- The concentrated vaccine was homogenized in Vaseline paste and applied to a vector bat, which was reintroduced to its group.
- Bats were challenged intramuscularly with 10(5.0) MICLD(50) of rabies virus post-vaccination.
Main Results:
- Survival proportions after rabies challenge were 71.4%, 71.4%, and 100% across the three groups.
- The ultrafiltration concentration method and vector bat delivery system proved effective in enhancing bat survival.
Conclusions:
- Concentrating the V-RG vaccine via ultrafiltration and using a vector bat delivery system is a viable strategy for improving oral rabies immunization in vampire bats.
- This method shows promise for reducing vaccine loss and increasing survival rates in bat populations facing rabies threats.
