ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Volume 261 | Issue 7 (July 2023)

Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2021.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. July 2023;261(7):1045 - 1053.

Xiaoyue Ma¹, Sarah Bonaparte², Patrick Corbett³, Lillian A Orciari⁴, Crystal M Gigante⁵, Jordona D Kirby⁶, Richard B Chipman⁷, Christine Fehlner-Gardiner⁸, Cin Thang⁹, Veronica Gutiérrez Cedillo¹⁰, Nidia Aréchiga Ceballos¹¹, Agam Rao¹², Ryan M Wallace¹³

¹ 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.; ² 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.; ³ 2Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.; ⁴ 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.; ⁵ 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.; ⁶ 3Wildlife Services, APHIS, USDA, Concord, NH.; ⁷ 3Wildlife Services, APHIS, USDA, Concord, NH.; ⁸ 4Centre of Expertise for Rabies, Ottawa Laboratory-Fallowfield, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada.; ⁹ 4Centre of Expertise for Rabies, Ottawa Laboratory-Fallowfield, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada.; ¹⁰ 5Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Secretaria de Salud de México, CDMX, México.; ¹¹ 6Laboratorio de Rabia, Departamento de Virología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud de México, CDMX, México.; ¹² 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.; ¹³ 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To provide epidemiological information on the occurrence of animal and human rabies in the US during 2021 and summaries of 2021 rabies surveillance for Canada and Mexico.

PROCEDURES:State and territorial public health departments and USDA Wildlife Services provided data on animals submitted for rabies testing in 2021. Data were analyzed temporally and geographically to assess trends in domestic animal and wildlife rabies cases.

RESULTS:During 2021, 54 US jurisdictions reported 3,663 rabid animals, representing an 18.2% decrease from the 4,479 cases reported in 2020. Texas (n = 456 [12.4%]), Virginia (297 [8.1%]), Pennsylvania (287 [7.8%]), North Carolina (248 [6.8%]), New York (237 [6.5%]), California (220 [6.0%]), and New Jersey (201 [5.5%]) together accounted for > 50% of all animal rabies cases reported in 2021. Of the total reported rabid animals, 3,352 (91.5%) involved wildlife, with bats (n = 1,241 [33.9%]), raccoons (1,030 [28.1%]), skunks (691 [18.9%]), and foxes (314 [8.6%]) representing the primary hosts confirmed with rabies. Rabid cats (216 [5.9%]), cattle (40 [1.1%]), and dogs (36 [1.0%]) accounted for 94% of rabies cases involving domestic animals in 2021. Five human rabies deaths were reported in 2021.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The number of animal rabies cases reported in the US decreased significantly during 2021; this is thought to be due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Comments:

Comment In J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2023 Nov 01;261(11):1605-1606

Archives Highlights:

Bone Marrow Aspiration in Dogs: Indications and a Step-by-Step Tutorial
In dogs, bone marrow aspirates are often collected from the proximal humerus or ilium. A special 14- to 18-gauge needle with stylet is placed into the bone marrow cavity, and cells are subsequently aspirated. These needles are designed to penetrate cortical bone without becoming obstructed. Other sites in dogs include the sternum, ribs, and proximal femur. Aspiration from the pelvis and femur is challenging, if the region contains abundant adipose tissue.

Key Takeaways for Veterinarians from the NAVTA Demographics Survey
Low salary is still viewed as the most challenging aspect of the job, with 39% of respondents ranking this both the top challenge currently and the top projected issue for the next 5 years. One in 3 credentialed veterinary technicians maintains a second job, often full time, suggesting that they need additional income to support themselves and/or their families.

Head and dental injuries among farriers and hoof care practitioners: A nationwide survey in Switzerland.
Head/face injuries were more frequently reported by farriers than hoof care practitioners (60.6% and 20.7%, respectively). The rate of dental injuries, mainly related to a horse kick, was 11.1% and 1.9% among farriers and hoof care practitioners, respectively. Negligence in wearing mandatory eye protection was reported by 37.5% of respondents.

High-pressure injection of paint into the hand: A small injury with serious consequences.
High-pressure injection injury to the hand is a serious lesion threatening the limb. Several injected materials are involved, and paint is known to have the most serious consequences, with a high amputation rate. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are two important prognostic factors for a better outcome.

Equine Gunshot Euthanasia: Creation of a 3D-Printed Model with Integrated Sensors for Training.
Here, we report the development and production of a portable, reusable, equine gunshot euthanasia training model. The model facilitates the training of veterinary personnel and first responders in successful gunshot euthanasia, providing instantaneous feedback on the likelihood of a shot causing immediate, humane death in a live animal.