Alaska Rabies Summit, Anchorage, Alaska—December 11, 2006

Abstract

Rabies in the arctic regions of Alaska and Canada remains a serious challenge because of the mobility of the wildlife reservoir and the limited human population density and infrastructure. Large-scale eradication efforts of rabies in foxes do not appear feasible; however, more regionalized control could be achieved. Before such initiatives are even considered, we need to better understand the ecology of both red and arctic foxes, the molecular characteristics of virus variants and their possible effects on reservoir susceptibility, transmission and circulation patterns, and the limitations to use of oral rabies vaccine in foxes, among other issues. Bringing together a multidisciplinary group of experts represents an initial step toward furthering our knowledge about rabies in the Arctic and options for control. A related issue is that of limiting the ability of domestic dogs to transmit the virus to humans. Improving programs to increase rabies vaccination of dogs and basic animal control measures to limit the illness and death related to dog bites represent immediate and formidable challenges for local authorities. Sharing these challenges and approaches to potential solutions will continue to be valuable for Alaska and northwestern Canada. Finally, other arctic nations that are similarly affected by animal rabies were not represented at the summit. The International Conferences for Rabies in the Americas and the International Congresses on Circumpolar Health are exemplary models for collaboration on disease issues that cross international borders. We suggest that future endeavors addressing Arctic rabies issues would prove valuable to international rabies prevention and control efforts and studies of circumpolar health.