A profile of reported skunk rabies in Arkansas: 1977-1979

Skunk rabies in Arkansas increased from 90 laboratory confirmed cases in 1977 to 140 in 1978 and 297 in 1979. In 1979, the Arkansas Department of Health declared a skunk rabies epizootic in Arkansas. Skunk rabies accounted for 90% of the total rabies cases in 1978 and 1979. March, April and May had the highest incidence in each year. SYMVU computer analysis illustrated the distribution and spread of rabies. In general, rabies was confined to the upland areas of the state. Regression analysis of 16 density-independent variables revealed no correlation with the distribution of rabies, indicating the primary determinants to be biotic.