Charles V. Trimarchi

Efficacy studies on a canarypox-rabies recombinant virus.

Recombinant avipox viruses have been developed expressing the rabies glycoprotein gene. A fowlpox-rabies recombinant has previously been shown to be protective against live rabies virus challenge in a number of non-avian species. This report describes the development of a canarypox-rabies recombinant. A comparison is made of the protective efficacy of this recombinant with other pox-rabies recombinants.

Biological and immunogenic properties of a canarypox-rabies recombinant, ALVAC-RG (vCP65) in non-avian species

A canarypox-based (ALVAC) recombinant expressing the rabies G glycoprotein has been utilized to assess in vitro and in vivo biological properties of the canarypox virus vector system. In vitro studies have shown that no replication of the virus can be detected on six human-derived cell lines, nor can the virus be readily adapted to replicate on non-avian cells. Expression of the rabies G can be detected on all cell lines analyzed in the absence of productive viral replication. Analysis of viral-specific DNA accumulation indicated that the block in the replication cycle in the human cell lines analyzed occurred prior to DNA replication. The exact nature of the block, however, remains unknown. The concept of using a non-replicating immunization vehicle has been demonstrated through extensive in vivo studies in a range of species including non-human primates and humans. The results of such in vivo studies have exemplified the safety and immunogenicity of the ALVAC vaccine vector.

Public health impact of reemergence of rabies, New York.

This report summarizes the spread of a raccoon rabies epizootic into New York in the 1990s, the species of animals affected, and human postexposure treatments (PET). A total of 57,008 specimens were submitted to the state laboratory from 1993 to 1998; 8,858 (16%) animals were confirmed rabid, with raccoons the most common species (75%). After exposure to 11,769 animals, 18,238 (45%) persons received PET, mostly because of contact with saliva or nervous tissue. We analyzed expenditure reports to estimate the cost of rabies prevention activities. An estimated

Pantropism of Rabies Virus in Free-Ranging Rabid Red Fox Vulpes fulva

13.9 million was spent in New York State to prevent rabies from 1993 to 1998. Traditional prevention methods such as vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife, and verifying an animal’s rabies status must be continued to reduce costly PET. To reduce rabid animals, exposures, and costs, oral vaccination of wildlife should also be considered.

Raccoon poxvirus live recombinant feline panleukopenia virus VP2 and rabies virus glycoprotein bivalent vaccine

The fluorescent antibody and mouse inoculation tests were employed to study the pantropism of rabies virus in tissue from free-ranging red fox (Vulpes fulva) submitted for rabies diagnosis. Viral antigen was found in various organs and tissues of the body. The distribution of antigen within tissues is discussed in the light of the pathogenesis and potential excretion of the virus.

10 – Diagnostic Evaluation

A raccoon poxvirus (RCNV) recombinant for immunizing against feline panleukopenia and rabies was developed by homologous recombination with a chimeric plasmid for insertional inactivation of the RCNV thymidine kinase gene. The recombinant, RCN-FPV/VP2-rabG, coexpressed the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) VP2 protein and the rabies virus spike glycoprotein (rabG) under oppositely oriented vaccinia virus P11 promoters. Cats vaccinated subcutaneously with the recombinant showed relatively high neutralizing antibody responses against rabies virus and FPV, and protection against an otherwise virulent FPV challenge with no drop in white blood cell count. Because of containment constraints, no rabies virus challenges were done, but the high concentrations (> 8 IU) of rabies neutralizing antibodies were consistent with levels that usually indicate an ability to counter the infection.

Rabid Foxes, Rabid Raccoons, and the Odds of a Human Bite Exposure, New York State, 1999–2007

Publisher Summary An estimated 7–10 billion laboratory tests of all types are performed each year in the USA alone. Very few others of those have a more direct effect on decisions critical to prevent human mortality than rabies laboratory tests. Rabies diagnostic evaluation is most frequently performed for the post-mortem examination of animals that have bitten a person or have otherwise potentially caused human exposure to the disease. These examinations constitute the most important diagnostic contributions to the control and prevention of rabies. Evidence of rabies virus infection, based on a positive diagnostic test, prompts administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to the exposed person, preventing the onset of the almost invariably fatal infection. Demonstration of rabies virus infection also initiates proper management of exposed domestic animals, including booster vaccination of previously immunized animals and euthanasia or quarantine of unvaccinated animals. Prompt and reliable negative results, on the other hand, can be used to prevent the initiation of unnecessary PEP in humans, avoiding the small but inherent associated risks and the squandering of expensive and often scarce biologics.

Cost and Relative Value of Road Kill Surveys for Enhanced Rabies Surveillance in Raccoon Rabies Management

Anecdotal evidence suggests that rabid foxes are more likely to attack humans than are other rabid terrestrial animals. To examine this issue, we analyzed rabies surveillance data (1999–2007) maintained by the New York State Department of Health. Compared to rabid raccoons (Procyon lotor), foxes infected with raccoon variant rabies were more likely to bite during a human exposure incident (P <0.01). Additionally, rabid gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were significantly more likely to bite a human than were rabid red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; P<0.01). Animal control personnel and others who handle wildlife should be educated about the increased risk of bite exposure when dealing with potentially rabid foxes.

9 – Diagnostic Evaluation

Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) requires knowledge of the spatial-temporal distribution of rabies virus variants targeted for control. Rabies-exposure based public health surveillance alone may not provide a sound basis for ORV decisions. The value and cost of road kill surveys was evaluated for the late spring–early fall 2005–2007 as a part of enhanced rabies surveillance in northern New York, where raccoon rabies is enzootic and ORV has occurred since the late 1990s. Structured surveys were conducted to collect raccoons and other meso-carnivores for rabies testing at the New York State Rabies Laboratory. Of the 209 meso-carnivore heads collected and submitted for testing, 175 were testable by direct fluorescent antibody; none was rabid. Rabies was also not reported through public health surveillance in survey zones during 2005–2007. Overall, survey costs were

Rabies virus infection in a pet guinea pig and seven pet rabbits

37,118 (2016 USD). Salaries and benefits accounted for 61% of costs, followed by fuel (22%), vehicle depreciation (14%), and sample shipping (3%). Mean daily distance driven was 303 ± 37 km and 381 ± 28 km for total road kills and raccoons, respectively. Costs/road kill collected and submitted was