Abstract
This report summarizes the spread of a raccoon rabies epizootic into New York in the 1990s, the species of animals affected, and human postexposure treatments (PET). A total of 57,008 specimens were submitted to the state laboratory from 1993 to 1998; 8,858 (16%) animals were confirmed rabid, with raccoons the most common species (75%). After exposure to 11,769 animals, 18,238 (45%) persons received PET, mostly because of contact with saliva or nervous tissue. We analyzed expenditure reports to estimate the cost of rabies prevention activities. An estimated $13.9 million was spent in New York State to prevent rabies from 1993 to 1998. Traditional prevention methods such as vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife, and verifying an animal’s rabies status must be continued to reduce costly PET. To reduce rabid animals, exposures, and costs, oral vaccination of wildlife should also be considered.
Highlights
This report summarizes the spread of a raccoon rabies epizootic into New York in the 1990s, the species of animals affected, and human postexposure treatments (PET)
In 1991, New York State accounted for 14% of reported rabid animals in the United States; this proportion increased to 28% in 1993 [12,13]
The public health impact of the reemergence of rabies in New York resulting from the spread of raccoon variant in the 1990s was profound in terms of the number of rabid animals diagnosed, humans exposed and treated, and prophylaxis treatment (PET) costs
Summary
This report summarizes the spread of a raccoon rabies epizootic into New York in the 1990s, the species of animals affected, and human postexposure treatments (PET). Wild animals accounted for 92% of animal rabies cases in the United States, with raccoons reported most frequently, followed by skunks, bats, and foxes. In 1991, New York State accounted for 14% of reported rabid animals in the United States; this proportion increased to 28% in 1993 [12,13]. The exposure of humans and domestic animals to rabid animals has resulted in an estimated 16,000–39,000 persons per year receiving postexposure prophylaxis treatment (PET) in the United States [14]. The total cost of treatment was recently estimated at $300 million per year in the United States [16]. NYSDOH’s active rabies laboratory conducts all diagnostic work in the state, excluding New York City, which has its own laboratory ( test result data from New York City are reported)
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