No rabies detected in voles and field mice in a rabies-endemic area

Brain samples were collected from 514 voles and wild mice in Estonia, and examined for rabies. The samples were tested with antigen ELISA, and 8.6% of them additionally by virus isolation assay. The results were negative. Our data show that in areas of north-eastern Europe, where rabies is endemic in raccoon dogs and red foxes, populations of smaller mammals may remain free of rabies.