Rabies Outbreaks Research Articles

Rabies in free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) on Anchieta Island, Ubatuba, Brazil.

Between December 2019 and January 2020, three cases of rabies were reported in free-ranging capybaras on Anchieta Island, Ubatuba-SP, Brazil. This 8.28km² island is located 540m offshore from the mainland. Two of the capybaras exhibited signs of hindlimb paralysis, and one was found dead. Rabies was diagnosed using the direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT), while RT-qPCR and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences confirmed the presence of the vampire bat rabies virus (RABV) strain. Although no visible bat bite marks were found on the capybaras, vampire bats are known to inhabit the island. Other wildlife tested negative for rabies during this period, and no further rabies outbreaks have been observed since. Environmental changes and human activities, such as the disturbance of bat roosting sites, may have contributed to the incident. The detection of rabies in capybaras suggests a potential spillover from a vampire bat reservoir. Further investigation is needed to determine whether capybaras act as dead-end hosts or play a role in maintaining the rabies transmission cycle.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: coping with zoonotic spillovers and climate injustice

ABSTRACT This art installation centers on then-recent outbreaks of rabies and Nipah viruses in India and Bangladesh, and reveals unexpected connections between vultures, fruit bats, and humans. Using Victorian and Dutch decorative arts from time periods in which England and the Netherlands were connected to these contemporary outbreak sites through colonization, the installation highlights the way climate injustice influences which humans and animals bear the most risk in disease spillovers. Using work by cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, the installation also considers how culture (particularly art) functions as a psychological mechanism for coping with death anxiety.

A Review of Social Issues in Relation to the Rabies Outbreak in Sarawak, Malaysia

This article aims to review studies on social issues, patient management, and preventive behaviors related to the human rabies outbreak in Sarawak. The review analysed 19 documents from databases and 6 newspaper reports. Studies highlighted factors such as population density, seasonal patterns, and contact with dogs as contributing to the risk of rabies. Control efforts focused on dog vaccination and public education. Key epidemiological studies revealed a high case fatality rate and low rates of immediate medical treatment post-exposure. Social issues such as mishandling of patients, lack of federal support, and low public awareness were significant obstacles. Community engagement and interventions, including educational tools and behavioral assessments, were essential for improving rabies control. Health-seeking behavior patterns showed a general lack of prompt action post-exposure, with many patients seeking treatment too late. Prevention strategies emphasized the “One Health” approach, integrating human and animal health surveillance to enhance rabies control. Comprehensive public education, community involvement, and resource allocation are critical to addressing the ongoing challenges of rabies prevention in Sarawak.

Genomic Characterization of a Dog-Mediated Rabies Outbreak in El Pedregal, Arequipa, Peru.

Rabies, a re-emerging zoonosis with the highest known human case fatality rate, has been largely absent from Peru, except for endemic circulation in the Puno region on the Bolivian border and re-emergence in Arequipa City in 2015, where it has persisted. In 2021, an outbreak occurred in the rapidly expanding city of El Pedregal near Arequipa, followed by more cases in 2022 after nearly a year of epidemiological silence. While currently under control, questions persist regarding the origin of the El Pedregal outbreak and implications for maintaining rabies control in Peru. We sequenced 25 dog rabies virus (RABV) genomes from the El Pedregal outbreak (n=11) and Arequipa City (n=14) from 2021-2023 using Nanopore sequencing in Peru. Historical genomes from Puno (n=4, 2010-2012) and Arequipa (n=5, 2015-2019), were sequenced using an Illumina approach in the UK. In total, 34 RABV genomes were analyzed, including archived and newly obtained samples. The genomes were analyzed phylogenetically to understand the outbreak's context and origins. Phylogenomic analysis identified two genetic clusters in El Pedregal: 2021 cases stemmed from a single introduction unrelated to Arequipa cases, while the 2022 sequence suggested a new introduction from Arequipa rather than persistence. In relation to canine RABV diversity in Latin America, all new sequences belonged to a new minor clade, Cosmopolitan Am5, sharing relatives from Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Genomic insights into the El Pedregal outbreak revealed multiple introductions over a 2-year window. Eco-epidemiological conditions, including migratory worker patterns, suggest human-mediated movement drove introductions. Despite outbreak containment, El Pedregal remains at risk of dog-mediated rabies due to ongoing circulation in Arequipa, Puno, and Bolivia. Human-mediated movement of dogs presents a major risk for rabies re-emergence in Peru, jeopardizing regional dog-mediated rabies control. Additional sequence data is needed for comprehensive phylogenetic analyses.

Rabies virus circulation in a highly diverse bat assemblage from a high-risk area for zoonoses outbreaks in the Brazilian Amazon

Bats are the second most diverse order of mammals and play a central role in ecosystem dynamics. They are also important reservoirs of potentially zoonotic microorganisms, of which rabies virus is the most lethal among the bat-transmitted zoonotic pathogens. Importantly, recent outbreaks of human rabies have been reported from the Brazilian Amazon. Here we present a survey of bat species and rabies virus (RABV) circulation in a bat assemblage in the Marajó region, northern Brazil. Using data from mist-net captures and bioacoustic sampling, 56 bat species were recorded along the Jacundá River basin over a 10-day expedition in November 2022. For the investigation of RABV, we used the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) and the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). In total, 159 bat individuals from 22 species were investigated for RABV. Five adults of the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, showed RABV-specific antibodies in serum samples. Additionally, we report on local residents with injuries caused by D. rotundus bites and the occurrence of colonies of non-hematophagous bats from different species roosting inside human residences. This scenario raises concerns about the risks of new cases of human rabies and other zoonotic diseases associated with bats in the region and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance and mitigation measures to prevent outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

Associations of community knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to zoonotic disease with sociodemographic factors in and around Chiro Town, Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundZoonoses are infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. Studying the knowledge, perceptions and practices of communities related to zoonoses and the associated risk factors is crucial for effective control and prevention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of respondents on zoonoses and the associated risk factors in and around Chiro town, Ethiopia. Zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, anthrax, bovine tuberculosis, and brucellosis, pose a direct threat to health and livelihoods in the communities where they occur. These diseases emerge due to a combination of human-animal interactions, migration, and contact with wildlife and their respective parasites and vectors. Hence, recognizing residents’ perceptions, knowledge, and practices is crucial for effectively minimizing risks.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to July 2021 in and around Chiro town using a pretested close-ended questionnaire. A total of 350 respondents were selected using simple random sampling methods. The questionnaire included information on the sociodemographic status of the respondents and questions concerning the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of the participants regarding the selected zoonotic diseases. The associations of knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to zoonoses with zoonotic risk factors were analysed using chi-square tests.ResultsThe study revealed that 82.9% of the respondents had knowledge of bovine tuberculosis, followed by knowledge of rabies (80%), knowledge of anthrax (45.1%), and knowledge of brucellosis (24.3%). Males had greater knowledge of bovine tuberculosis (84.8%), followed by rabies (79.8%) and anthrax (48.6%), while females had greater knowledge of brucellosis (23.6%). The most cited source of information was radio (68%). Most respondents mentioned the outbreaks of rabies (62.5%), bovine tuberculosis (53.2%), anthrax (35.6%), and brucellosis (15.7%). Respondents with higher educational levels and urban residents had more knowledge of zoonoses. More than 75% of respondents had a good perception of the transmission of zoonotic disease from animals, and the practice of consuming raw milk or raw/undercooked meat and sharing the same house with animals was high.ConclusionThe majority of respondents reported that they had knowledge of bovine tuberculosis and rabies, but lower knowledge and perceptions were reported for anthrax and brucellosis. These findings illustrate the need for collaboration among animal, human and environmental health offices in one health approach to prevent and control zoonotic disease.

Unprecedented rabies outbreak in Nepal’s Far Western Region: A call for urgent action

Rabies, a zoonotic disease caused by lyssaviruses, poses a severe and escalating threat in the Far Western Region of Nepal. The recent outbreak of rabies in the Kailali and Kanchanpur districts of Sudurpaschim province has reached unprecedented levels, with a 92.30 % positivity rate in suspected samples. Within a year, there have been 84 confirmed outbreaks, with 32 in Kailali and 50 in Kanchanpur, highlighting the seriousness of the situation in these districts. This outbreak has also affected various animal species, including pigs, marking the first case in Nepal, and also caused the death of a young boy due to rabies. Given the historically low number of rabies cases in the province, the current situation is highly alarming and necessitates immediate government intervention. The challenges faced include the absence of a comprehensive national rabies control policy, limited resources, and inadequate awareness in rural areas. To effectively address this crisis, urgent action is required, which entails a multidisciplinary approach, collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations, prioritization of rural areas, improvement of health infrastructure, and strengthened surveillance.

Deforestation and Bovine Rabies Outbreaks in Costa Rica, 1985-2020.

In Latin America, rabies virus has persisted in a cycle between Desmodus rotundus vampire bats and cattle, potentially enhanced by deforestation. We modeled bovine rabies virus outbreaks in Costa Rica relative to land-use indicators and found spatial-temporal relationships among rabies virus outbreaks with deforestation as a predictor.

Profile and Geospatial Analysis of Dog Bite Cases Attending the Antirabies Vaccine Outpatient Department at the Tertiary Level Hospital of Mumbai.

Dog bites pose a significant public health concern in India, necessitating an understanding of their epidemiological profile and spatial distribution. Adopting the One Health approach, which considers the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for developing effective interventions. The study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and geospatial trends of dog bite cases in an urban area, focusing on the age and gender distribution of victims, severity of bites, and spatial distribution of cases to inform prevention strategies. A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted on dog bite cases reported in 2022 at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. The epidemiological profile, including age, gender, and severity of bites, was examined. Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was utilized for spatial distribution analysis, identifying hotspots within the urban area. Of the 3350 cases, 70.7% were below 40 years old, 81.6% were male, and 78.18% had Category III bites indicating severe injuries. Most cases (74%) were caused by stray dogs. QGIS analysis revealed five hotspots within the urban area. The study highlights the predominance of dog bites among younger males and the severity of injuries. Spatial analysis identified specific hotspots, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Implementing a comprehensive surveillance system incorporating GIS technology and adopting a One Health approach can enhance the control and prevention of dog bite cases and reduce the risk of rabies outbreaks.

Spatiotemporal analysis of Rabies outbreaks in herbivores in Tocantins as a subsidy for the detection of epizootics

An effective epidemiological surveillance system is essential to help control rabies, as it allows the early detection of unexpected increases in the disease as well as the identification of geographic areas with populations that need greater attention from the Official Veterinary Services (OVS). The present study aimed to comprehend the behavior of rabies outbreaks in herbivores, through a temporal analysis using a control diagram based on moving averages, and a spatial diffusion mapping. A spatial clustering analysis in rabies outbreaks was performed using both nearest neighbor analysis and ST-DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise). Additionally, associated risk factors and the effectiveness of rabies vaccination was assessed using a chi-square (χ²) test and odds ratios as the association measure. The study detected rabies outbreaks in state of Tocantins in certain years, especially in 2015. Spatial analysis revealed clustering (nearest neighbor index = 0.555; p < 0.05) in intermediate regions of Araguaína e Palmas. Risk factors identified included shelter linked to relief, vegetation, and anthropic factors. The findings of this study have significant implications for the control of rabies in herbivores, providing valuable information to guide vaccination efforts and the control of hematophagous bats, thus aiding in disease prevention and control actions not only Tocantins state but also in other geographic regions grappling with paralytic rabies.

Molecular analysis and geographic distribution of the recent Indonesian rabies virus.

Some Indonesian islands, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, and East Nusa Tenggara, have endemic rabies. Rabies outbreaks in Bali began from 2008 to 2011 and continue to occur sporadically. This study aimed to study the molecular analysis and geographical distribution of Indonesian rabies virus (RABV) from 2016 to 2021 and compare to previous periods. Virus isolates from 2016 to 2021 were extracted from dog brains and sequenced at the nucleoprotein gene locus. They were compared with data sequences available in the GenBank database. Indonesian RABV from the previous three periods (before 1989, 1997-2003, and 2008-2010) was extracted from the GenBank database. The genetic diversity in this study was based on the N gene of Indonesian RABV. Asian RABV, which is genetically close to the Indonesian virus, is a virus from China (ASIA-3 cluster) and from the Southeast Asia region, namely, virus isolates from Sarawak and Malaysia and some Cambodian isolates. Rabies virus, which was isolated from the Bali islands, was the new cluster first detected and published in Bali, Indonesia, in 2008, while RABV from West Sumatra Province, which was isolated from 2016 to 2021, was also considered a new cluster that is genetically distant from other clusters in Indonesia. The RABV in Indonesia is divided into five clusters. The isolates from West Sumatra Province from 2016 to 2021 were a new cluster genetically distant from other Indonesian viruses.

Two Sylvatic Rabies Re-Emergences in Central-Eastern Europe over the 2021–2022 Period: An Unprecedented Situation in Recent Years

The implementations of coordinated, standardised, and sustained oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns over large areas have led to the almost elimination of sylvatic rabies from the European Union (EU) territory at the approach of 2020. The annual number of rabies cases reported within EU territory indeed dropped from around 13,000 cases in 1990 to less than 10 cases over the 2017–2019 period. Unfortunately, since 2020, the EU territory has faced two major rabies re-emergence events of rabies lyssavirus in non-flying animals. The first sylvatic rabies outbreak, already described, occurred in 2021 and 2022 in Poland in the Mazowieckie voivodeship, involving the Central Europe variant, while the second one affecting Romania, Hungaria, and Slovakia, increased considerably at the end of 2022 and involved the North East Europe variant only. Thus, Hungary and Slovakia that did not record a single case since 5–7 years, respectively, faced new rabies outbreaks in 2022. This article, therefore, presents these two epidemiological events and discusses the importance and challenges of maintaining ORV programmes and immune belts in the long term, particularly in a complicated context of a pandemic affecting organisation of human societies and of geopolitical conflicts.

Reemergence of arctic-like rabies virus in a rabies-free area in the Amur river basin

Background: A descriptive epidemiological study of the rabies outbreak in the Amur Region of Russia (ARR), which remained rabies-free from 1972 to 2017, was carried out. During 2018-2022, 49 animal rabies cases and one human rabies death were documented in the ARR. This study aimed to detect possible ways of incursion and features of the spatial spread of rabies virus (RABV) in ARR, which was considered rabies-free for 45 years. Methods: After the beginning of the outbreak, 1,450 animal brain samples were tested using a direct fluorescent antibody test. Genetic analysis of RABV isolates was carried out (n = 9). GIS was used to analyze the spatial spread of rabies in ARR and adjacent territories. Results: Rabies has been confirmed in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes ) - 38.8%, raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides ) - 10.2%, wolves (Canis lupus ) - 14.3%, dogs - 18.4% and farm animals - 18.3% (n = 49). The first cases were detected south of the ARR, 30 km from the state border between Russia and China. In 2018-2022, the RABV spread within the forest-steppe landscapes of the Zeya-Bureya Plain northwesterly; the maximum distance from the first recorded event was 192.4 km (Me = 77.6). According to a phylogenetic analysis, the isolates from ARR belonged to the Acrtic-like-2 RABV lineage and showed the maximum similarity to the isolates recovered in the province of Heilongjiang (China, 2011, 2018) and the Jewish Autonomous Region (Russia, 1980). Conclusion: Rabies was most likely introduced by wild carnivores from the adjacent territories of Russia or China, located downstream of the Amur River.

A case of rabies outbreak in a bull-calf from Nigeria

This paper describes a rabies outbreak in a bull-calf which led to euthanasia following manifestation of clinical signs of the disease. Infection was confirmed using a rapid immunochromatographic test of the homogenates from brain tissues (the brain stem, hippocampus and cerebellum) sample. Exposure to rabies virus (RABV) had resulted due to an attack by a free-roaming dog (FRD). Mass vaccination campaigns against rabies and improving biosecurity measures to limit access of free-roaming dogs to farms can prevent the occurrence of RABV in dogs, livestock animals and personnel at risk in Nigeria.

Human rabies encephalomyelitis in the background of rabies outbreak in animals in Gelephu, Bhutan, 2023: a case report

BackgroundRabies continues to pose significant public health challenges in many developing countries including Bhutan. A probable case of rabies was admitted to our hospital and its reporting led to the uncovering of an outbreak in domestic and wild animals. We discuss the challenges in the diagnosis and management of rabies in a resource-limited setting.Case presentationA 35-year-old male presented with intermittent fever, bilateral lower limb weakness that was rapidly progressive, urinary incontinence with episodes of palpitations and sweating. He had sustained a Category III bite on the right lower thigh with four bite marks, inflicted by a stray dog. He had received post-exposure prophylaxis with intra-dermal anti-rabies vaccine. On initial examination, the patient was in distress but cooperative for the interview. He had pulse rate ranging from 60 to 100/min with episodes of diaphoresis and palpitations, but with normal capillary blood glucose. In the lower limb, the muscle power was zero with absent tendon reflexes in the lower limb and impaired abdominal reflex below T10 level. He had hyperaesthesia below T8, hydrophobia, aerophobia and photophobia. He had multiple spontaneous fasciculations in both the thighs and right deltoid and these later involved the intercostal muscles, neck and face muscles. He had altered sensorium and desaturation for which he required mechanical ventilation. Polymerase chain reaction for rabies virus was negative in cerebrospinal fluid and saliva. Rabies virus neutralizing antibody was negative in cerebrospinal fluid but had high titres in the serum. He received Human Rabies Immunoglobulin after admission. He was managed in the intensive care unit and died 23 days later. After this case was notified, a rapid response team was deployed in the field, and uncovered rabies outbreak in animals in the locality.ConclusionsThis case called for a serious evaluation of the country’s efforts in achieving zero rabies deaths by 2030. The management of this case identified several critical areas of context-specific interventions in Bhutan. There is also an urgent need to improve diagnostic capabilities at the national reference laboratory and enhance the technical competencies of healthcare workers in the management of dog bite cases.Graphical

A passive ‘One Health’ surveillance system to track canine rabies in urban India

Abstract Robust and widely implementable ‘One Health’ surveillance systems are required to detect and control the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases. Using technological tools coupled with a rapid field response and rapid diagnostics can help in the surveillance of deadly diseases such as rabies, even in densely populated urban areas. Here, we describe the use of an animal rescue system (Hawk Data Pro) that was adapted as a passive surveillance tool for rabies in a large metropolis in India. We used a Webline and helpline that reported injured or sick animals to an animal rescue facility to determine possible rabies cases in street animals in Pune city in western India. Suspected rabid animals were tested using lateral flow assays and this information was used to direct awareness materials on rabies as well as in conducting mass dog vaccinations in areas that reported multiple cases. Over a ~4-year period, we received over 90,700 calls or reports, of which 1162 calls were for suspected rabies cases in dogs, and 6 for other animals (cats, goats and cattle). Of these, 749 dogs and 4 other animals tested positive for rabies. Most of the cases were reported from the densely human-populated central Pune region. In response, ~21,000 people were provided with educational materials on post-bite management, and ~23,000 dogs were vaccinated. We show that the adoption of the Hawk Data Pro system as a passive surveillance tool allowed us to document an ongoing outbreak of rabies in a large metropolis in India. Such systems can be modified or adapted to other areas as well to meet the surveillance and reporting requirements of the WHO’s Zeroby30 strategy to eliminate rabies globally. One Health impact statement India is a priority country for the action plan for rabies elimination by 2030. Yet, systematic surveillance for rabies in the primary reservoir remains weak. Here, we showcase a collaboration with an animal welfare organization and adaptation of their bespoke animal rescue system for passive surveillance of rabies in dogs and other animals in Pune city in western India. This method allowed us to improve the detection of potentially rabid animals, rapidly ensure post-exposure prophylaxis and provide awareness materials for exposed human victims. To the best of our knowledge, this collaboration between scientists and civil society organizations resulted in the detection of the largest number of rabies cases reported in an urban area anywhere in the world. The use of this system highlights the scope of the problem in urban India and also provides practical guidance on how to improve surveillance using basic technological tools.

Analysis of the rabies epizootic in the Central Federal District of Russia in 2018–2022

Relevance. At present, a complex epizootic situation with rabies persists in Russia. Every year, foci of rabies are registered in many subjects of the Russian Federation, with the largest number of cases occurring in the Central and Volga Federal Districts, on the territory of which a high level of the episodic index has been maintained for almost a decade (0.99 and 0.978, respectively).Metods. The purpose of the study was to spatiotemporally analyze the results of the development of the epizootic process and identify the main causes of rabies outbreaks in the Central Federal District (CFD) of the Russian Federation over the past five years (2018–2022). The work used information on the epizootic situation of rabies in official reports (FGBU «Center for Veterinary Medicine» of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia), data from published scientific sources and the results of our own research. Analysis of the development of epizootics in the CFD was carried out descriptively and retrospectively.Results. Persistent epizootic trouble in the CFD is confirmed by the annual detection of cases of rabies in all subjects of the district. It has been established that the formation of rabies virus foci is due to the presence of favorable landscape and natural and climatic conditions for maintaining a high number of wild animals, the main reservoir and source of rabies, and periodic introductions of infection from adjacent regions. The spread of rabies in the CFD mainly depends on the control of the number of neglected animals and on the regularity of preventive vaccination of wild and domestic carnivores.

Rabies in chozna ‘Potus flavus’: a warning of a potential threat to public and animal health

We reported an outbreak of wild rabies in Potus flavus (choznas), a carnivorous mammal associated with insectivorous bats in Kosñipata, Cusco, Peru, from February 2021 to October 2022. Eight human exposures were reported, with aggressive attacks resulting in injuries. The outbreak prompted a public health response and raised concerns about zoonotic diseases due to habitat fragmentation and urbanization. The study involved antigenic and genetic characterization of the virus in the affected animals, revealing similarities with variants in non-hematophagous bats. This outbreak marked the first time rabies had been reported in choznas in the region, highlighting the need for early intervention programs and wildlife protection. Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations were administered to residents, and community surveillance was established to control the outbreak. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance and education to prevent rabies transmission from choznas to humans and other animals, as their role as potential secondary transmitters of the virus warrants further investigation.

Rabies neutralizing antibody titers in Korean dogs and cats intended for overseas travel

Animals imported from abroad are a cause of rabies outbreaks in many countries. Therefore, rabies serology testing for dogs and cats traveling abroad is an important measure to reduce the incidence of rabies. Rabies virus antibodies were measured in sera collected from 2,367 dogs and 894 cats between 2017 and 2021. A serum sample with a value of 0.5 IU/mL or higher was considered a pass. The overall pass rates for rabies virus were 96.4% in dogs and 98.4% in cats. The mean rabies virus neutralization assay titers were higher in cats than in dogs and in female than in male animals. According to age, 6-year-old dogs and 9-year-old cats had the highest virus neutralization assay titers. Of the failure cases, 53.0% (53/100) were dogs or cats less than 1 year old. Although the average failure rates in dogs and cats were low at 3.5% and 1.6%, respectively, the factors influencing failure were age and vaccine manufacturer. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the vaccination interval and timing of blood collection after boosting.

Spatial ecology of translocated raccoons

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are routinely translocated both legally and illegally to mitigate conflicts with humans, which has contributed to the spread of rabies virus across eastern North America. The movement behavior of translocated raccoons has important ramifications for disease transmission yet remains understudied and poorly quantified. To examine the spatial ecology of raccoons following experimental translocation, we performed reciprocal 16 km-distance translocations of 30 raccoons between habitats of high and low raccoon density (bottomland hardwood and upland pine, respectively) across the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina, USA (2018–2019). Translocation influenced patterns of raccoon space use, with translocated animals exhibiting a 13-fold increase in 95% utilization distributions (UDs) post- compared to pre-translocation (mean 95% UD 35.8 ± 36.1 km2 vs 1.96 ± 1.17 km2). Raccoons originating from upland pine habitats consistently had greater space use and larger nightly movement distances post-translocation compared to raccoons moved from bottomland hardwood habitats, whereas these differences were generally not observed prior to translocation. Estimated home ranges of male raccoons were twice the area as estimated for female raccoons, on average, and this pattern was not affected by translocation. After a transient period lasting on average 36.5 days (SD = 30.0, range = 3.25–92.8), raccoons often resumed pre-experiment movement behavior, with 95% UD sizes not different from those prior to translocation (mean = 2.27 ± 1.63km2). Most animals established new home ranges after translocation, whereas three raccoons moved > 16 km from their release point back to the original capture location. Four animals crossed a 100-m wide river within the SRS post-translocation, but this behavior was not documented among collared raccoons prior to translocation. Large increases in space use combined with the crossing of geographic barriers such as rivers may lead to elevated contact rates with conspecifics, which can heighten disease transmission risks following translocation. These results provide additional insights regarding the potential impacts of raccoon translocation towards population level risks of rabies outbreaks and underscore the need to discourage mesocarnivore translocations to prevent further spread of wildlife rabies.