Rabies eradication measures in wildlife in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Introduction. Rabies is one of the most dangerous zoonoses in the world with a lethality rate around 100% of infected animals. The main factor in rabies’ control is the prophylactic immunization of domestic and wild carnivores. Material and methods. As a research material for this manuscript, a number of rabies cases in wildlife over the last 5 years was studied, as well as some data from the national program regarding the vaccination of wildlife animals in the Republic of Moldova. Results. The anual incidence of rabies in wildlife was determined to range between 12 to 25% of the total number of rabies cases at national level. Due to vaccination by combining some methods (aerial and manual), the incidence of positive cases of rabies in wildlife has decreased by 48% in the last 5 years. Conclusions. The use of the mixed vaccination method of wildlife animals (manual and the distribution of baits by plane) contributed significantly to reducing the incidence of rabies in wildlife.