Virus / Rhabdoviridae / Rabies virus / Detailed Viral Descriptions:
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DEFINITIVE MAMMAL HOST SPECIES with literature reports for Rabies virus (with special reference to raccoon rabies variant):

Species/Taxa Recorded and Diagnostic Method used for Confirmation
Editorial Summary (Editorial Overview Text Replicated on Overall Virus page - Rabies virus (with special reference to raccoon rabies variant) (Viral Species)) (References are available in detailed literature reports below) Note: limited data on rabies in general is provided in the literature reports but is not intended to be comprehensive
General

All mammals may be hosts for rabies virus, although a variety of small- to medium-sized carnivores, and some bats, are the main reservoir hosts of classical rabies virus strains.

Raccoon rabies virus variant

Raccoon rabies virus variant has been detected in a variety of other species. Although some of these cases may represent transmission from one non-raccoon to another non-raccoon, the fact that raccoon rabies virus variant is involved indicates that the rabies was initially transmitted from a raccoon.

  • The species (other than raccoons) in which raccoon rabies in which raccoon rabies virus variant is found most often are skunks. 
  • Raccoon rabies has been detected in rodents and lagomorphs, most commonly the woodchuck (Marmota monax - Woodchuck). Nearly all cases of rabies in woodchucks occur within the raccoon rabies endemic area and few cases occur in the skunk-endemic area, which may indicate that these cases are due to transmission from raccoons rather than via skunks. However, there may also be other non-biological reasons (e.g. which species are reported and tested, and human population density which affects likelihood of individuals being reported) why rabies in woodchucks is not reported from skunk-rabies endemic areas. 
  • Among domestic animals, raccoon rabies is commonly detected in cats and cattle. Most cases of rabies in cats in the US occur within the raccoon rabies area and most cases in cattle occur in the raccoon and skunk rabies areas. 
  • Raccoon rabies has also been confirmed in a number of the cases of rabies in miscellaneous carnivorous mammals, not considered as major rabies hosts, within the raccoon rabies areas. 
  • In 2003, the first case of fatal raccoon rabies in a human was confirmed.
  • Strain typing using monoclonal antibodies to epitopes on the rabies virus N protein has confirmed that isolates from other species within the raccoon rabies areas are identical with raccoon rabies variant. 

(References available in detailed literature reports below)
Data Source Information
GENERAL RABIES VIRUS INFORMATION

(See below for information on definitive hosts reported for raccoon rabies variant)

IN NORTH AMERICA
IN THE UK
  • Bat lyssavirus 2 has been isolated from a Myotis daubentonii - Daubenton's bat in the UK. (J3.147.w1)
  • In the UK one case of rabies in a human occurred in 2002 in a bat worker (unvaccinated) who had been bitten by a Myotis daubentonii - Daubenton's bat; it is presumed that the bat was infected with rabies. (J117.71.w1)
  • Screening of 1882 bats of 23 species during a ten year survey (January 1986-December 1995) failed to detect rabies (J3.139.w1)
  • Of more than 150 bats of various species tested for rabies in 1999, none were found to be positive (D49).
  • Antibodies to EBLV type 2 (EBLV-2) were found in approximately 8% of 96 Myotis daubentonii - Daubenton's bat collected from two sites where there was previous evidence suggesting that positive bats might be found (95% confidence interval 3-16%). Data from 183 Myotis daubentonii - Daubenton's bat sampled at other sites in England and Scotland found about 2% to be EBLV-2 antibody-positive (95% confidence interval 1-5%). No EBLV-2 antibody-positive individuals were found amongst small numbers of bats of other species tested over the same time period. No EBLV-specific RNA was detected in any oral swabs tested by RT-PCR. (J3.154.w1)
IN HEDGEHOGS
  • Rabies is rarely recorded, e.g. three confirmed cases in Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog in Northern Germany over a period of 15 years. (B22.27.w3)
  • Rabies is more commonly wrongly suspected in hedgehogs seen "self-anointing", with copious production of frothy saliva. (B228.9.w9, B291.12.w12); or following biting in self-defence. (B22.27.w3, B291.12.w12)
  • No rabies-positive animals among 18 submitted for suspected rabies. (J138.61.w1)
  • One case of rabies reported in a hedgehog out of a total of 1,893 rabies cases reported in Europe October to December 1998. (J197.22.w1)
  • Three cases of rabies reported in hedgehogs (Erinaceus spp.) out of a total of 1,693 cases of rabies (1,147 from wild animals) during the Third Quarter of 2001 in Europe. (J197.25.w1)
  • One case diagnosed in a hedgehog in the eight years 1986-1993 in Croatia (compared with 3,454 cases in foxes, 86 in dogs, 80 in cats, 10 in deer, 21 in martens, 11 in badgers, 14 in cattle, 36 in sheep, 11 in goats). (J199.22.w1)
IN URSIDAE - BEARS (Family): rabies has been reported only rarely.
RACCOON RABIES VARIANT

Contact of rabies-infected raccoons with other species is demonstrated by the spillover of raccoon rabies into other species, including a variety of domestic and wild species. (J1.22.w6, J1.33.w11, J308.5.w1, N7.32.w1)

Source information is often incomplete because:

  • States vary in their criteria for submitting individual animals for rabies diagnosis (e.g. some may test only if a human or domestic animal has been exposed), and levels of surveillance for rabies vary, even between counties within the same state. (B395.2.w2, N7.38.w1, J4.227.w1)
  • Many references do not specify the rabies variant found in a particular animal, or do not specify species (e.g. "skunks", "foxes"). (B395.2.w2)
  • Rabies virus is not typed in most cases; data may indicate that, for example, cattle were found rabid within the raccoon rabies area, but, unless variant typing has been carried out, it cannot be stated with certainty whether an individual case was due to raccoon rabies or, for example, a bat rabies variant.
  • Note: "the proportion of reported cases by species may not reflect the true distribution of rabies in animals, since certain animals are more likely to be captured for testing. For example, dogs are more likely to be captured and tested than wild animals such as bats." (N7.38.w1)

However, strain typing using monoclonal antibodies to epitopes on the rabies virus N protein has shown that isolates from other species within the raccoon rabies areas are identical with raccoon rabies variant. (J93.24.w1, J100.149.w1, J237.36.w1)

Orders in which raccoon rabies variant has been reported (detailed information available below):

The following list indicates the species which raccoon variant of Rabies virus has been reported to infect, and indicates whether the infection was natural or experimental, and the level of diagnosis:

Carnivora - Carnivores (Order)
WILD SPECIES

Ailurus fulgens - Lesser panda (Red panda)

  • One red panda (Ailurus fulgens - Lesser panda) was laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (J101.126.w1)
  • Five lesser pandas are included in the species which "have been found rabid in association with the mid-Atlantic raccoon epizootic." [Data to 1991] (B360.16.w16)
  • During 1960 - 2000 in the US, raccoon rabies was diagnosed in three Ailurus fulgens - Lesser panda. (J1.39.w3)
  • In 1983, one lesser panda was diagnosed with rabies in the National Zoo, Washington, District of Columbia; a number of rabid raccoons were found in the zoo. (D239, P103.1983.w1)
    • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed in this individual. (P103.1983.w1)
  • In 1986, two red pandas were reported rabid in the District of Columbia. (N7.36.w1)
  • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, from  a lesser (red) panda from Washington, D.C. in 1983 as well as from 20 raccoons and 27 other animals from the raccoon rabies area; no isolates from other areas gave the same reaction pattern to the panel of  antibodies. (J93.24.w1)

Canis latrans - Coyote:

  • Virus typing on samples collected between 1985 and 1998 confirmed a case of rabies in a coyote in Florida and a case in a coyote in Alabama to be raccoon rabies variant. (J1.39.w3)
  • In 1990, two cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from a state (Georgia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.200.w3)
  • In 1991, three cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Alabama and New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.201.w3)
  • In 1992, two cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from a states (New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.203.w2)
  • In 1993, three cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Georgia and New York) within the raccoon rabies area. 
    (J4.205.w2)
  • In 1994, five cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts and Vermont) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.207.w1)
  • In 1995, two cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Alabama and Florida) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, four cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Vermont) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 1999, two cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from within the raccoon rabies area (New York City and North Carolina). (J4.217.w1)
  • In 2000, five cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Maine, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Vermont) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.219.w5)
    In 2001, three cases of rabies in coyotes were reported from states (Connecticut and Massachusetts) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2003, three cases of rabies reported in coyotes occurred in states (Georgia, New York and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, three cases of rabies were reported in coyotes in states (Georgia, New York, North Carolina) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, six cases of rabies were reported in coyotes in states (Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.229.w1)
  • In 2006, six cases of rabies were reported in coyotes in states (Connecticut, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania) within the raccoon rabies area; all were confirmed to be due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.231.w1)

Canis lupus - Wolf x Canis familiaris - Domestic dog

  • In 2006, one case of rabies was reported in a wolf hybrid in Maine (within the raccoon rabies area). (J4.231.w1)

Foxes (particularly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox):

  • Cases of raccoon rabies occur in foxes within the raccoon rabies areas. (J100.149.w1, J237.36.w1)
    • One hundred and thirty seven foxes were laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (J101.126.w1)
    • Rabies virus from a rabid fox, collected in Maryland in 1982 showed the same monoclonal antibody reaction pattern as viruses from rabid raccoons from the mid-Atlantic raccoon rabies outbreak area. (J100.149.w1)
    • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, from a fox from Maryland in 1982 and one from West Virginia in 1984, as well as from 20 raccoons and 25 other animals from the raccoon rabies area; no isolates from other areas gave the same reaction pattern to the panel of  antibodies. (J93.24.w1)
    • Using a panel of antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies, rabies virus isolated from three Vulpes vulpes - Red fox from Pennsylvania were confirmed to be identical to rabies virus isolates from raccoons in Florida in 1984, from raccoons and skunks in raccoon epizootic areas of Pennsylvania collected 1982 - 1985, and from other domestic and wild animals infected in Pennsylvania. (B360.3.w3)
    • In 1977, four cases of rabies in grey foxes and three in red foxes were reported from states (Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies. (D235)
    • In 1980, 15 cases of rabies were reported in foxes in the southeastern raccoon rabies area states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina; three were reported from Virginia and West Virginia. (D238)
    • In 1981, 20 cases of rabies were reported in foxes in the southeastern raccoon rabies area states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina; eight were reported from Virginia and West Virginia. (D238)
    • In 1982, 19 cases of rabies were reported in foxes in the southeastern raccoon rabies area states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina; 14 were reported from Virginia and Maryland. (D238)
    • In 1984, 10 cases of rabies were reported in foxes in the southeastern raccoon rabies area states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina; 19 were reported from Maryland, eight from Pennsylvania 11 from Virginia and four from West Virginia. (D240)
    • In 1985, 19 cases of rabies were reported in foxes in the southeastern raccoon rabies area states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, and 45 from the mid-Atlantic states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. (D241)
    • In 1990 it was noted that most of the reported cases of rabies in foxes were associated with the raccoon rabies epizootic areas of the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. (J4.197.w1)
    • In 1993, it was noted that most of the reported cases of rabies in foxes in east coast states were probably due to spillover of raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.205.w2)
    • In 1994, most of the reported cases of rabies in foxes in east coast states, other than a focus over northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, were presumed due to spillover of raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.207.w1)
    • In 1995, most of the reported cases of rabies in foxes in east coast states, other than a focus over northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine,  were presumed due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.209.w1)
    • In 1996, most cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from states with raccoon rabies and in the eastern states (other than possibly the northeastern focus of parts of New York, northern New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.211.w2)
    • In 1997, most cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from states with raccoon rabies and in the eastern states (other than possibly the northeastern focus of parts of New York, northern New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.213.w3)
    • In 1998, most cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from states with raccoon rabies and in the eastern states (other than possibly the northeastern focus of parts of New York, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.215.w1)
    • In 1999, most cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from states with raccoon rabies and in the eastern states (other than possibly New York, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.217.w1)
    • In 2000, in eastern states (other than possibly New York, Maine and Vermont, where red fox variant has been reported "as recently as the past decade"), rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.219.w5)
    • In 2001, in eastern states (other than possibly New York, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.221.w10)
    • In 2002, in eastern states (other than possibly New York, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies, with 385 of the 508 total cases in foxes being reported from states with the raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.223.w1)
    • In 2003, in eastern states (other than possibly New York, Maine and Vermont), rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) was probably mostly due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.225.w1)
    • In 2004, most (332 of 389) cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from the eastern states with raccoon rabies and most of these cases were probably due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.227.w1)
    • In 2005, most (330 of 376) cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from the eastern states with raccoon rabies and most of these cases were probably due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.229.w1)
    • In 2006, most (356 of 427, 83.4%) cases of rabies in foxes (mainly Vulpes vulpes - Red fox) were reported from the eastern states with raccoon rabies and most of these cases were probably due to raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.231.w1)

Lontra canadensis - Canadian otter

  • In 1977, one case of rabies in an otter was reported from a state (Florida) with endemic raccoon rabies. (D235)
  • In 1984, one case of rabies was reported in an otter in Florida. (D240)
  • In 1986, one otter in Florida and one in Georgia were reported rabid. (N7.36.w1)
  • In 1990, two cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Florida and Maryland) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.200.w3)
  • In 1991, one case of rabies in an otter was reported from a state (New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.201.w3)
  • In 1992, four cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Delaware, Florida and Pennsylvania) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.203.w2)
  • In 1993, three cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Florida, Maryland and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.205.w2)
  • In New Jersey, during 1993-1995, a river otter was detected in a vaccination area spanning the northern Cape May Peninsula and was confirmed by monoclonal antibody typing to be infected with raccoon rabies strain. (J1.34.w8)
  • In 1994, three cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Connecticut, Florida and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.207.w1)
  • In 1995, four cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Florida and New Jersey) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, four cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Georgia, Maryland and Massachusetts) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 1997, four case of rabies in otters were reported from states (Florida, Georgia and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.213.w3)
  • In 1998, one case of rabies in an otter was reported from a state (New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, three cases of rabies in otters were reported from a state (Florida) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.217.w1)
  • In 2000, one case of rabies in an otter was reported from a state (Florida) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.219.w5)
  • In 2001, Five cases of rabies in otters were reported from states (Florida, Georgia and Massachusetts) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2002, one case of rabies was reported in an otter in a state (Pennsylvania) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2003, the three cases of rabies reported in otters occurred in states (Florida, New York and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, two cases of rabies were reported in otters in states (Florida, New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, two cases of rabies were reported in otters in states (Massachusetts, New Jersey) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.229.w1)
  • In 2006, three cases of rabies were reported in otters in states (Florida, Massachusetts, New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.231.w1)

Lynx rufus - Bobcat:

  • During 1960 - 2000, 488 cases of rabies were seen in bobcats (Lynx rufus - Bobcat) in the USA. Cases in bobcats in the 1990s were mainly spillover from raccoon rabies in the southeastern states: all rabid bobcats from the southeastern US in which virus strain was distinguished were confirmed to be infected with raccoon rabies variant. (J1.39.w3)
  • Virus typing on samples collected between 1985 and 1998 confirmed six cases of rabies in Lynx rufus - Bobcats (three from Georgia, one each from Florida, Virginia and West Virginia) to be raccoon rabies variant; all rabies isolates from bobcats in South Atlantic states identified by typing were found to be raccoon rabies strain. (J1.39.w3)
  • In 1977, one case of rabies in a bobcat was reported from a state (Florida) with endemic raccoon rabies. (D235)
  • In 1978, three cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida and South Carolina) within the raccoon rabies area. (D236)
  • In 1983, rabies was reported in one bobcat in Florida and one in South Carolina. (D239)
  • In 1984, rabies was reported in two bobcats in Florida. (D240)
  • In 1985, rabies was reported in two bobcats in Florida. (D241)
  • In 1989, four cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida and South Carolina) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.197.w1) 
  • In 1990, eight cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.200.w3)
  • In 1991, four cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.201.w3)
  • In 1992, seven cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.203.w2) 
  • In 1993, 10 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.205.w2) 
  • In 1994, 13 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.207.w1)
  • In 1995, 15 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New York, South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.209.w1) 
  • In 1996, 18 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2) 
  • In 1997, 17 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.213.w3)
  • In 1998, 28 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, 18 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.217.w1) 
  • In 2000, 23 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.219.w5) 
  • In 2001, 18 cases of rabies in bobcats were reported from states (Florida, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2002, 22 cases of rabies were reported in bobcats in states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.223.w1)
    In 2003, 21 cases of rabies reported in bobcats occurred in states (Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, 10 cases of rabies were reported in bobcats in states (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, 15 cases of rabies were reported in bobcats in states (Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.229.w1)
  • In 2006, 17 cases of rabies were reported in bobcats in states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.231.w1)

Martes pennanti - Fisher

  • Virus typing on samples collected between 1985 and 1998 confirmed a case of rabies in a Martes pennanti - Fisher to be raccoon rabies variant. (J1.39.w3)
  • In 1994, two cases of rabies in fishers were reported from states (New Hampshire and New York) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.207.w1)
  • In 1995, two cases of rabies in fishers were reported from states (Massachusetts and new Hampshire) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, two cases of rabies in fishers were reported from states (Maine and Vermont) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 2002, one case of rabies was reported in a fisher in a state (Massachusetts) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2006, one case of rabies was reported in a fisher in a state (Pennsylvania) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.231.w1)

Mustela vison - American mink

  • In 1978, one case of rabies was reported in a mink in Alabama; raccoon rabies was spreading through the southeastern part of Alabama at this time. (D236)
  • In 1996, one case of rabies in a mink was reported from a state (Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 2000, one case of rabies in a mink was reported from a state (Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.219.w5)

Nasua nasua - Coati

  • In 1969, a pet coatimundi Nasua narica (Nasua nasua - Coati) was confirmed rabid in Sarasota County, Florida. The source of the infection was never confirmed, however, raccoon rabies is likely, since the animal had been allowed to roam freely during the 1969 raccoon rabies epizootic on Longboat Key. (D222.4.w4)

Procyon lotor - Common Raccoon:

  • The main definitive host for the strain of rabies virus adapted to raccoons, the "raccoon rabies virus" is Procyon lotor - Common Raccoon. 
  • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, from 20 raccoons as well as 27 other animals from the raccoon rabies area; no isolates from other areas gave the same reaction pattern to the panel of  antibodies. (J93.24.w1)
  • Further information on the occurrence of rabies in raccoons is provided in Rabies Virus - Distribution and Geographical Occurrence (Viral Reports) [For raccoon rabies variant]

Puma concolor - Puma - (Panther):

  • In 1989, one cases of rabies in a panther (Felis concolor coryi - Puma concolor - Puma) was reported from a state (Florida) within the raccoon rabies area. This case was confirmed by monoclonal antibody analysis to involve raccoon rabies variant. (J4.197.w1)

Skunks (particularly Mephitis mephitis - Striped skunk):

A large proportion of reported rabid skunks (mainly Mephitis mephitis - Striped skunk) are found within the raccoon rabies area.
  • Using a panel of antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies, rabies virus isolated from naturally infected skunks from Pennsylvania (collected 1982 - 1985) were confirmed to be identical to rabies virus isolates from raccoons in Florida in 1984, from raccoons in raccoon epizootic areas of Pennsylvania collected 1982 - 1985, and from other domestic and wild animals infected in Pennsylvania. (B360.3.w3)
  • In 1977, 11 cases of rabies in skunks were reported from a state (Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies. (D235)
  • In 1978, seven cases of rabies were reported in Georgia and Florida, states with endemic raccoon rabies (cases in skunks in Alabama were from the north of the state, well outside the raccoon rabies area. (D236)
  • In 1980, rabies was reported in 30 skunks in states (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies. (D238)
  • In 1981, rabies was reported in 43 skunks in southeastern states (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies, also in 45 skunks in Virginia and eight in Maryland (states where raccoon rabies was spreading). (D238)
  • In 1982, rabies was reported in 43 skunks in southeastern states (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies, also in 14 skunks in Maryland, 16 in Pennsylvania, 59 in Virginia and eight in West Virginia (states where raccoon rabies was spreading). (D238)
  • In 1983, rabies was reported in 17 skunks in southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with endemic raccoon rabies, and in 28 skunks from Maryland, 29 from Pennsylvania, 33 from Virginia and 14 from West Virginia. (D239)
  • In 1984,rabies was reported in 30 skunks in southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with endemic raccoon rabies, also in 19 skunks in Maryland, 11 in Pennsylvania and five in Virginia. (D240)
  • In 1985, rabies was reported in 17 skunks in southeastern states (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies, and in six skunks from Maryland, 81 from Pennsylvania, 43 from Virginia and 8 from West Virginia. (D241)
  • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies from a skunk from Maryland in 1982, as well as from 20 raccoons and 26 other animals from the raccoon rabies area; no isolates from other areas gave the same reaction pattern to the panel of  antibodies. (J93.24.w1)
  • In 1986 in Maryland (enzootic raccoon rabies area), there were 12 cases of rabies in skunks. Three isolates from skunks were tested using a panel of monoclonal antibodies to N protein epitopes and were found to be identical to raccoon rabies variant. (J237.36.w1)
  • Rabies virus strains from three rabid skunks collected in Maryland 1981-1983 showed the same monoclonal antibody reaction pattern as viruses from rabid raccoons from the mid-Atlantic raccoon rabies outbreak area. (J100.149.w1)
  • During a study in Connecticut, 1991 - 1994, while raccoon rabies was advancing through the state, skunks were the species next most likely to be found rabies positive after raccoons, with 214 positive skunks (compared to 2,219 positive raccoons)  and skunk cases occurring at 5 - 10 cases per month when 40 - 80 cases per month were being reported in raccoons. (J91.57.w1)
  • In the mid-Atlantic raccoon rabies outbreak, skunks are the second most commonly reported rabid animals and in some counties numbers of reported rabid skunks have exceeded numbers of reported rabid raccoons. However, there is no evidence of independent cycling of this rabies variant in skunks. [2003](J84.9.w24)
  • In 1990 it was noted that "the number of rabid skunks reported from the raccoon rabies area of the mid-Atlantic states continues to increase." It was also noted that the same strain was found in the skunks as in the raccoons in this area, as indicated by monoclonal antibody analysis. (J4.197.w1)
  • In 1991, most cases of rabies in skunks in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states were presumed to be spillover from the raccoon rabies epizootic (except in an area of northern New York, where spillover was from fox rabies). (J4.201.w3)
  • In New Jersey, during 1993-1995, five rabid were found in a vaccination area spanning the northern Cape May Peninsula; two skunks were tested by monoclonal antibody typing and confirmed to be infected with raccoon rabies strain. (J1.34.w8)
  • In 1995, most of the reported cases of rabies in skunks in states with enzootic or epizootic raccoon rabies were presumed due to raccoon rabies. (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, 48.4% of the 1,656 reported cases of rabies in skunks occurred in states with enzootic or epizootic raccoon rabies and it was presumed that most cases in these states were due to raccoon rabies. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 1997, 53.7% of the 2,040 reported cases of rabies in skunks (mainly Mephitis mephitis - Striped skunk) were reported from states with enzootic or epizootic raccoon rabies; "reported cases of rabies in skunks increased primarily because of increased reporting of rabid skunks by states affected by the epizootic of rabies in raccoons and most are probably the result of spillover infection from rabid raccoons." (J4.213.w3)
  • In Maryland during June 1995 to June 1998, three rabid skunks collected along the edge of the Cape Cod Canal vaccination zone were positively confirmed to be infected with raccoon rabies variant. (J4.213.w4)
  • In 1998, 1,103 of 2,272 cases of rabies in skunks (48.5% of cases of rabies in skunks) occurred in states with enzootic or epizootic raccoon rabies and most of these were probably due to spillover from raccoons, although in Massachusetts and Rhode Island more rabid skunks were reported in 1998 than rabid raccoons. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, 942 of 2,067 cases of rabies in skunks (45.6% of cases of rabies in skunks) occurred in states with enzootic or epizootic raccoon rabies and most of these were probably due to spillover from raccoons, although in Massachusetts and Rhode Island more rabid skunks were reported in 1999 than rabid raccoons, as had been the case also for the previous two years. (J4.217.w1)
  • In 2000, 881 of 2,223 cases of rabies in skunks occurred in states with endemic raccoon rabies and were presumably spillover from raccoons; in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, for the fourth consecutive year, more cases were reported in skunks (141 and 44 respectively) than in raccoons in each of these states. (J4.219.w5)
  • In Ontario, Canada, within the raccoon rabies area, two cases of rabies were reported in skunks during April 2001. (J67.56.w1)
  • In 2001, 872 of 2,282 cases (38.2%) of rabies in skunks, mainly Mephitis mephitis - Striped skunk, occurred in states with enzootic raccoon rabies  and most of these cases were presumed to be spillover of raccoon rabies; it was noted that in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, for the fifth year in succession, more rabid skunks were reported than rabid raccoons. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2002, 1,010 of 2,433 cases (41.5%) of rabies in skunks occurred in states with enzootic raccoon rabies, and most of these cases were presumed to be spillover of raccoon rabies; it was noted that in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, for the sixth year in succession, more rabid skunks were reported than rabid raccoons. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2003,38.7% of reported cases of rabies in skunks (817 of 2,112 cases, or 35.2%, 743 of 2,112 cases excluding Tennessee where raccoon rabies arrived only recently) came from states with raccoon rabies and were presumed mostly to be spillover of raccoon rabies. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, 41.8% (776 of 1,856 total) of rabid skunks reported were from the raccoon rabies area. Reported rabid skunks exceeded reported rabid raccoons in Rhode Island in 2004 (28 versus nine individuals). (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, 43.5% (643 of 1,478 total) of rabid skunks reported were from the raccoon rabies area. Reported rabid skunks exceeded reported rabid raccoons in Rhode Island in 2005 (10 versus nine individuals) for the ninth year running. (J4.229.w1)
  • In 2006, 49.7% (743 of 1,494 total) of rabid skunks reported were from the raccoon rabies area; most were presumed to be spillover of raccoon rabies virus variant. Reported rabid skunks were fewer than reported rabid raccoons in Rhode Island in 2006 (seven versus 16 individuals) for the first time in ten years. (J4.231.w1)

Ursus americanus - American black bear

  • In 1991, one case of rabies in a bear was reported from a state (New Jersey) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.201.w3)
  • In 2003, the single case of rabies reported in a bear (species not specified) occurred in New York, within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, one case of rabies was reported in a bear in a state (Pennsylvania) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.227.w1)

"Weasel"

  • In 1978, one case of rabies was reported in a weasel in Alabama; raccoon rabies was spreading through the southeastern part of Alabama at this time. (D236)
  • In 1999, one case of rabies in a weasel was reported from a state (Maryland) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.217.w1)
DOMESTIC SPECIES

Canis familiaris - Domestic dog

  • In the first years of the mid-Atlantic outbreak of raccoon rabies it was noted that rabies was being reported in domestic animals including 12 dogs (from 1977 to mid-October 1983). (P66.1.w1)
  • Using a panel of antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies, rabies virus isolated from one Canis familiaris - Domestic dog in Pennsylvania was confirmed to be identical to rabies virus isolates from raccoons in Florida in 1984, from raccoons and skunks in raccoon epizootic areas of Pennsylvania collected 1982 - 1985, and from other domestic and wild animals infected in Pennsylvania. (B360.3.w3)
  • In 1977, four cases of rabies in domestic dogs were reported from states (Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies; there was also a case in a dog in the same area where 17 cases were seen in raccoons in South Carolina. (D235)
  • In 1978, 11 cases of rabies in domestic dogs were reported from within the raccoon rabies area of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. (D236)
  • In 1979, 12 cases of rabies in domestic dogs were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies ( although not all within areas where raccoon rabies had reached). (D237)
  • In 1980, nine cases of rabies in domestic dogs were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies. (D238)
  • In 1981, 10 cases of rabies in domestic dogs were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies. (D238)
  • In 1982, 12 cases of rabies in domestic dogs were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies and two cases were reported from Virginia. (D238)
  • In 1983, five cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from the mid-Atlantic states with raccoon rabies, and a further three cases from south-eastern states with raccoon rabies (although the case in Alabama was from further north than counties where raccoon rabies were reported). (D239)
  • In 1984, six cases of rabies in dogs occurred in the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies and three in the mid-Atlantic states. (D240)
  • In 1985, eight cases of rabies were reported from mid-Atlantic states (Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) and the District of Columbia, and 13 from the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies. (D241)
  • In 1986, three cases of rabies were reported from mid-Atlantic states (Pennsylvania and West Virginia), and 11 from the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies. (N7.36.w1)
  • Twenty nine domestic dogs were laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (J101.126.w1)
  • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, from a dog from Pennsylvania in 1984, as well as from 20 raccoons and 26 other animals from the raccoon rabies area; no isolates from other areas gave the same reaction pattern to the panel of  antibodies. (J93.24.w1)
  • Typing of virus from 308 rabies cases in cats and dogs in the USA showed that in the raccoon rabies area, rabies in these species (177 cases) was due to raccoon rabies variant. (J4.218.w4)
  • In 1989, 30 of the 160 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.197.w1)
  • In 1990, 24 of the 148 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.200.w3)
  • In 1991, 39 of the 155 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.201.w3)
  • In 1992, 38 of the 182 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.203.w2)
  • In 1993, 36 of the 130 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.205.w2)
  • In 1994, 46 of the 153 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.207.w1)
  • In 1995, 34 of the 146 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, 43 of the 111 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 1997, 49 of the 126 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.213.w3)
  • In 1998, 32 of the 113 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, 25 of the 111 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.217.w1)
  • In 2000, 33 of the 114 reported cases of rabies in dogs in the USA were from states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.219.w5)
  • In 2001, 33 of the 89 reported cases of rabies in domestic dogs in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2002, 31 of the 99 reported cases of rabies in dogs occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2003, 25 of the 117 cases of rabies in dogs were from states within the raccoon rabies area (there were also three cases in dogs in Tennessee). (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, 28 of the 99 reported cases of rabies in dogs occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, 35 of the 76 reported cases of rabies in dogs occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.229.w1)
  • In 2006, 36 of the 79 reported cases of rabies in dogs occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area; for dogs in which rabies variant typing was carried out, all within these states were confirmed to be raccoon rabies virus variant. (J4.229.w1)

Felis catus - Domestic cat

  • In the first years of the mid-Atlantic outbreak of raccoon rabies it was noted that rabies was being reported in domestic animals including 39 cats (from 1977 to mid-October 1983). (P66.1.w1)
  • Using a panel of antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies, rabies virus isolated from two Felis catus - Domestic cat from Pennsylvania were confirmed to be identical to rabies virus isolates from raccoons in Florida in 1984, from raccoons and skunks in raccoon epizootic areas of Pennsylvania collected 1982 - 1985, and from other domestic and wild animals infected in Pennsylvania. (B360.3.w3)
  • In 1977, five cases of rabies domestic cats were reported from states (Florida and Georgia) with endemic raccoon rabies. (D235)
  • In 1978, nine cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from within the raccoon rabies area of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. (D236)
  • In 1979, 21 cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies (although not all within areas where raccoon rabies had reached), also one (in the area with raccoon rabies) from Virginia where raccoon rabies was emerging. (D237)
  • In 1980, 14 cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies and one case was reported from Virginia. (D238)
  • In 1981, 16 cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies and five cases were reported from Virginia and West Virginia. (D238)
  • In 1982, 22 cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from the southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) with raccoon rabies and nine were reported from Virginia (from within the raccoon rabies area). (D238)
  • In 1983, 32 cases of rabies in domestic cats were reported from the mid-Atlantic states with raccoon rabies and a further 10 cases from the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies. (D239)
  • In 1984, 22 cases of rabies were reported in cats from the mid-Atlantic states with raccoon rabies and 16 from the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies. (D240)
  • In 1985, 25 cases of rabies were reported in cats from the mid-Atlantic states with raccoon rabies and 14 from the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies. (D241)
  • In 1986, 40 cases of rabies were reported in cats from the mid-Atlantic states with raccoon rabies and 28 from the south-eastern states with raccoon rabies. (N7.36.w1)
  • One hundred domestic cats were laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (J101.126.w1)
  • In Maryland, it was noted that cases of rabies in cats began to occur after the raccoon rabies epizootic reached a given area, and continued thereafter. (J4.202.w2)
  • Raccoon rabies variant was confirmed, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, from a cat from Maryland in 1983, two cats from Virginia in 1983 and 1985 and two cats from Washington, D.C. in 1983, as well as from 20 raccoons and 22 other animals from the raccoon rabies area; no isolates from other areas gave the same reaction pattern to the panel of  antibodies. (J93.24.w1)
  • In 1989, 127 of the 212 reported cases of rabies in domestic cats in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.197.w1)
  • In 1990, 91 of the 176 reported cases of rabies in domestic cats in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.200.w3)
  • In 1991, 106 of the 189 reported cases of rabies in domestic cats in the US occurred in states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.201.w3)
  • An analysis of data from the northeastern USA, 1992 to 2000 showed that the risk of rabies in cats increased greatly from before the arrival of raccoon rabies in a given county to after raccoon rabies occurred, with a more than 12 times greater risk of the disease in cats during the first epizootic of raccoon rabies than prior to the arrival of raccoon rabies. After the first epizootic, the risk of rabies in cats persisted at a rate five- to 7.5-fold higher than prior to the occurrence of raccoon rabies. (J19.132.w1)
  • In 1992, most (204 of 290) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies. (J4.203.w2)
  • In 1993, most (222 of 291) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies (most of the remained were from areas with skunk rabies). (J4.205.w1)
  • In 1994, most (216 of 267) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies (most of the remained were from areas with skunk rabies). (J4.207.w1)
  • In 1995, most (217 of 288) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies. (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, most (193 of 266) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies. (J4.211.w2)
  • In 1997, most (226 of 300) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies. (J4.213.w3)
  • In 1998, most (180 of 282) of the reported cases of rabies in cats occurred in states with epizootic raccoon rabies. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, most (170 of 278) of the cases of rabies in cats were detected in states with raccoon rabies. (J4.217.w1)
  • Typing of virus from 308 rabies cases in cats and dogs in the USA showed that in the raccoon rabies area, rabies in these species (177 cases) was due to raccoon rabies variant. (J4.218.w4)
  • In 2000, 186 of the 249 cases of rabies in cats occurred in the states with raccoon-variant rabies. (J4.219.w5)
  • In 2001, 214 of 270 cases of rabies reported in cats occurred in states with raccoon-variant rabies. (J4.221.w10) 
  • In 2002, most cases of rabies in cats (221 of 299 cases) occurred in states where raccoon rabies is present. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2003, most (238 of 321) cases of rabies in cats occurred in states where raccoon rabies is present. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, most rabid cats (197 of 281) were reported from states with raccoon rabies. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, most rabid cats (203 of 269) were reported from states with raccoon rabies. (J4.229.w1)
  • In 2006, most rabid cats (265 of 318) were reported from states with raccoon rabies. (J4.231.w1)

Ferret (Mustela putorius - Polecat)

  • One ferret was laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (J101.126.w1)
  • In 1978, one ferret was reported rabid in South Carolina. (D236)
  • In 1986, one ferret was reported rabid in South Carolina and one in the District of Columbia. (N7.36.w1)
  • Three ferrets are included in the species which "have been found rabid in association with the mid-Atlantic raccoon epizootic." [Data to 1991] (B360.16.w16)
  • Virus typing on samples collected between 1985 and 1998 confirmed one case of rabies in a ferret from Connecticut, two cases in ferrets from New Jersey, once case in a ferret from Alabama, one in a ferret from Virginia, one in a ferret from Florida and one in a ferret from the District of Columbia to be raccoon rabies variant. (J1.39.w3)
  • In 1992, two cases of rabies were reported in ferrets in states (South Carolina and Virginia) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.203.w2)
  • In 1997, a single case of rabies was reported in New Jersey (a state where raccoon rabies is present). (J4.213.w3)
  • In 2003, the single reported case of rabies in a ferret occurred in a state (Maryland) where raccoon rabies is present. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2006, three cases of rabid ferrets were reported, one each in North Carolina, New Jersey and Pennsylvania - all states within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.231.w1)

Miscellaneous carnivore species

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Insectivora - Insectivores (Order)
  • In 1996, a case (unconfirmed by CDC) of rabies in a shrew was reported from a state (Massachusetts) within the raccoon rabies area. (J4.211.w2)

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Rodentia - Rodents (Order) and Lagomorpha - Lagomorphs (Order)
  • For the period 1971 - 1984, 104 cases of rabies were reported in rodents and lagomorphs in the USA. Reported cases increased in the late 1970s and continued to increase in the early 1980s. The most commonly reported species was Marmota monax - Woodchuck, with 67 cases (64% of cases). Cases of rabid rodents and lagomorphs were reported in 21 states; 54% of cases (56 cases) were from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, with nearly all of these cases (55 of the 56) being reported in 1980 - 1984. The cases in these states were temporally and geographically associated with the expanding raccoon rabies epizootic in the mid-Atlantic states; monoclonal antibody analysis of isolates from four rodents (three Marmota monax - Woodchuck and one Tamias striatus - Eastern chipmunk) - from the mid-Atlantic states confirmed an identical pattern to 19 isolates from rabid raccoons in this outbreak. (J1.22.w6)
  • For the period 1985-1994, 368 cases of rabies were reported in rodents and lagomorphs in the USA; 87% of cases were reported from north-eastern and mid-Atlantic states: Connecticut (19 cases), Delaware (14), Massachusetts (21), Maryland (60), New Hampshire (7), New Jersey (56), New York (66), Pennsylvania (60) and Virginia (17), i.e. in the area which had been experiencing a raccoon rabies epizootic. Marmota monax - Woodchuck (groundhogs) made up were 86% of the reported rabid animals (317 of 368 cases), while twelve Castor canadensis - American beaver were also reported, mainly in the rabies epizootic area. There were 17 cases in rabbits (of which 11 were definitely in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit)), 12 in various squirrels (Sciuridae - Squirrels, Marmots etc.), two each in rat, mouse and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus - (Muridae - Rats, mice, voles, gerbils etc. (Family))) and one each in Tamias striatus - Eastern chipmunk, nutria (Myocastor coypus - Coypu), porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum - Erethizontidae - New-world porcupines) and prairie dog. All cases for which the virus was characterised were of the dominant terrestrial rabies strain: raccoon rabies variant for two domestic rabbits and two woodchucks from New Hampshire, Virginia and Delaware, and two different skunk strains from domestic rabbits from Texas and South Dakota. Cases in the woodchucks were considered to be related to raccoon rabies, due to the virus type involved and temperospatial correlations between the reports in woodchucks and the presence of raccoon rabies in the mid-Atlantic states (no cases were reported from woodchucks in the south-eastern US raccoon rabies endemic area, because the woodchuck does not occur in that area). Cases were not reported in woodchuck from the midwestern states where skunk rabies is common; this difference may be related not only by biological factors but to state by state differences in which animals are submitted for rabies testing. (J1.33.w11)
  • In 1986, eight rabid rodents and lagomorphs were reported from Maryland. (N7.36.w1)
  • In 1995, all of the 54 reported cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs were in states with epizootic raccoon rabies. Most (50) of the cases were in groundhogs Marmota monax; other cases occurred in one rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit), two beavers Castor canadensis and a squirrel (Sciurus sp.). (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1996, all but one of the 47 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Most cases (43, including one in Iowa where raccoon rabies is not found) were in groundhogs Marmota monax; other cases occurred in two rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit), and two squirrels (Sciurus sp.). (J4.211.w2)
  • In 1997, 64 of the 65 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Most cases (55) were in groundhogs Marmota monax; other cases occurred in three rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit), five beavers Castor canadensis and a squirrel (Sciurus sp.) it was noted that "the increase in reported cases of rabies among rodents and lagomorphs probably reflects increased spillover in areas affected by the epizootic of rabies in raccoons." (J4.213.w3)
  • In 1998, all of the 68 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Most cases (63) were in groundhogs Marmota monax; other cases occurred in two rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit) and three beavers Castor canadensis. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, all of the 45 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Most cases (40) were in groundhogs Marmota monax; other cases occurred in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit), three beavers Castor canadensis and a Tamias striatus - Eastern chipmunk. (J4.217.w1)
  • In 2000, all but one of the cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Most cases (48 of 52) were in groundhogs Marmota monax; other cases occurred in two rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit),  one chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and one ground squirrel (Spermophilus sp.). (J4.219.w5)
  • In 2001, all 56 cases (mainly in groundhogs Marmota monax, 47 cases, also five rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit), three beavers Castor canadensis and one Tamias striatus - Eastern chipmunk) of rabies reported in rodents and lagomorphs were from states with epizootic raccoon-variant rabies. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2002, all 52 cases of rabies reported in rodents and lagomorphs in the US , 49 of which were in groundhogs Marmota monax, one in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit) and two in beavers Castor canadensis) were reported from states with epizootic rabies. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2003, all 38 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with epizootic raccoon rabies. Most cases were reported from groundhogs Marmota monax (31 cases), but there were also two in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit), one in a Sciurus carolinensis - Eastern grey squirrel, one in a rat (Rattus - (Genus) sp.), two in beavers Castor canadensis and one in a guinea pig Cavea porcellus. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, except for one case in a groundhog Marmota monax, all cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs were reported from states with epizootic raccoon rabies. These included 29 cases in groundhogs Marmota monax and one beaver Castor canadensis. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, all except two of the cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs were reported from states with epizootic raccoon rabies. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2006, all of the 44 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US (43 cases in groundhogs (Marmota monax - Woodchuck) and one in a rabbit) were reported from states with raccoon rabies. (J4.231.w1)
WILD SPECIES

Castor canadensis - American beaver

  • In 1983, two beavers were reported rabid from Maryland (a state with raccoon rabies). (D239)
  • Two beavers were laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (J101.126.w1)
  • Four beavers are included in the species which "have been found rabid in association with the mid-Atlantic raccoon epizootic." [Data to 1991] (B360.16.w16)
  • In 1995, both cases of rabies in beavers were in states with epizootic raccoon rabies.  (J4.209.w1)
  • In 1997, 64 of the 65 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Five cases occurred in  beavers Castor canadensis . (J4.213.w3)
  • In 1998, all of the 68 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US, including three in beavers Castor canadensis were reported from states with raccoon rabies. (J4.215.w1)
  • In 1999, all of the 45 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US, including three in beavers Castor canadensis were reported from states with raccoon rabies. (J4.217.w1)
  • In 2000, all but one of the cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with raccoon rabies. Most cases (48 of 52) were in groundhogs (Marmota monax - Woodchuck); other cases occurred in two rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus - European rabbit),  one chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and one ground squirrel (Spermophilus sp.). (J4.219.w5)
  • In 2001, all 56 cases of rabies reported in rodents and lagomorphs in the USA, including three cases in beavers Castor canadensis were from states with epizootic raccoon-variant rabies. (J4.221.w10)
  • In 2002, all 52 cases of rabies reported in rodents and lagomorphs in the US, including two in beavers Castor canadensis) were reported from states with epizootic rabies. (J4.223.w1)
  • In 2003, all 38 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the US were reported from states with epizootic raccoon rabies, including two in beavers Castor canadensis. (J4.225.w1)
  • In 2004, except for one case in a groundhog Marmota monax, all cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs were reported from states with epizootic raccoon rabies. These included one case in a beaver Castor canadensis. (J4.227.w1)
  • In 2005, three cases of rabies was reported in beaver in states with epizootic raccoon rabies (Massachusetts, North Carolina and New York). (J4.229.w1)

Glaucomys volans - Southern flying squirrel

  • In 1978, one case of rabies was reported in a flying squirrel in Alabama; raccoon rabies was spreading through the southeastern part of Alabama at this time. (D236)
  • One flying squirrel was laboratory-confirmed rabid within the Middle Atlantic states, during 1977-1985, and assumed to have been infected as "spillover" from infected raccoons. (