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Summary
Sylvatic rabies occasionally affects the Netherlands, primarily in the northeast and south. Bat rabies surveillance began in 1986, with 81 positive cases identified in 1987.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary epidemiology
- Zoonotic disease surveillance
Background:
- Sylvatic rabies is an intermittent threat in the Netherlands, with notable occurrences in 1986.
- The disease distribution is geographically limited to specific regions, primarily the northeast and south.
- Rabies is not considered endemic in the Netherlands, and oral vaccination is not currently being considered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To initiate and report on surveillance for bat rabies in the Netherlands.
- To understand the prevalence and potential epidemiological patterns of bat rabies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic examination of bats for rabies began in August 1986.
- Testing involved diagnostic analysis of bat samples.
Main Results:
- In 1987, 81 out of 1150 bats tested positive for rabies.
- This indicates a significant prevalence of bat rabies in the surveyed population.
Conclusions:
- Bat rabies is present in the Netherlands and requires ongoing monitoring.
- The epidemiology of bat rabies in the region remains largely unclear and warrants further investigation.