Rabies eradication in Belgium by fox vaccination using vaccinia-rabies recombinant virus

Onderstepoort J Vet Res. 1993 Dec;60(4):469-75.

Abstract

Oral immunization of foxes against rabies, by distributing vaccine-baits in the field, has been in progress since 1993 in the whole of the infected area of Belgium (10,000 km2). A vaccinia-rabies recombinant virus (VR-G) was used as vaccine because of its efficacy, safety and heat-stability. The successive campaigns of fox vaccination have induced a drastic decrease in rabies incidence and in 1993 there were no cases of rabies detected in the fox population. A marked decrease of human post-exposure treatments and the elimination of the disease in domestic animals have been the consequence of fox rabies control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Belgium
  • Foxes / virology*
  • Rabies / prevention & control
  • Rabies / veterinary*
  • Rabies Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Vaccination / methods
  • Vaccination / veterinary*
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Rabies Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Synthetic