[Epidemiology and control of rabies]

The epidemiological criteria of the present sylvatic rabies epizootic are shown using the situation in the Federal Republic of Germany and its neighbouring countries as an example. It is demonstrated that the fox plays the leading role in transmitting the disease to other animal species and remains the main vector in the epizootic. Mustelids are of secondary importance. Cervides, rodents and domestic animals are of no concern in the spread of rabies. Rabies control measures have to be aimed at the population reduction of but one species, the fox, since the frequency of rabies among this species is primarily dependent on the population density. Other wild carnivores especially badgers should be spared. Intensified shooting of foxes as a single control measure has proven ineffective. According to the results obtained in Central Europe, the gassing of fox dens, where applicable, has proven to be the best single measure regularly resulting in a decrease of rabies cases. In individual instances this has led to a complete extinction of rabies. The oral immunization of foxes is not yet regarded as acceptable; large-scale success with this method is not to be expected.