Origin of 3 Rabid Terrestrial Animals in Raccoon Rabies Virus-Free Zone, Long Island, New York, USA, 2016-2017

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Epidemiology
• Genomic Surveillance

Background:

• The raccoon rabies virus (RRV) variant is endemic in the eastern United States.
• Long Island, New York, was designated a raccoon rabies virus-free zone.
• Rabies outbreaks require costly and time-consuming response efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of three rabies virus cases detected in Long Island's virus-free zone.
• To assess the utility of whole-genome sequencing for rabies outbreak response.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of rabies virus isolates from infected animals.
• Phylogenetic analysis to determine viral lineage and geographic origin.

Main Results:

• Three terrestrial animals in the Long Island raccoon rabies virus-free zone tested positive for rabies.
• Phylogenetic analysis indicated the viruses were introduced from the mainland, not endemic to the island.
• The genomic data provided crucial information for targeted response.

Conclusions:

• Genomic surveillance is effective in identifying the origins of rabies virus incursions.
• Understanding virus origins allows for more efficient and cost-effective outbreak response strategies.
• Maintaining rabies virus-free zones requires ongoing monitoring and rapid response capabilities.