Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rabies surveillance in the United States during 1989.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1990
- Authors:
- Reid-Sanden, F L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In 1989, there were 4,808 reported cases of rabies in animals in the United States, which was a slight increase from the previous year. Most of these cases, about 88%, involved wild animals, while 12% were domestic pets. Skunks were the most commonly affected wild animals, and for the second year in a row, more cats were reported with rabies than any other type of pet. Some states saw a significant rise in cases, with New Jersey experiencing a 233% increase, while others like Connecticut and Mississippi had notable decreases. Overall, rabies remained a concern, particularly in wild animals and cats.
Abstract
In 1989, 4,808 cases of rabies in animals other than human beings were reported to the Centers for Disease Control, 1.8% more (4,724 to 4,808) than in 1988. Eighty-eight percent (4,224/4,808) of those affected were wild animals and 12% (584/4,808) were domestic animals. Cases were reported from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; Hawaii remained rabies-free. Skunks (1,657) continued to be the most commonly reported rabid wild animal. For the second consecutive year, more cats (212) were reported to be infected with rabies virus than any other domestic species. Compared with their 1988 reports, 5 states reported increases of greater than 100% (Alaska, 109%; New Jersey, 233%; Ohio, 133%; Oklahoma, 168%; and Washington, 125%), and 5 states reported decreases of greater than 50% (Connecticut, 63%; Mississippi, 56%; Montana, 67%; Nevada, 55%; and West Virginia, 53%) in 1989.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2276949/