Modeling enzootic raccon rabies from land use patterns - Georgia (USA) 2006-2010

Background/Question/Methods

Because much of rabies control in the U.S. focuses on preventing the spread of the raccoon rabies virus variant further west from its enzootic area along the eastern seaboard, we analyzed how land-use patterns and changes in urbanization influence reported rabid raccoons in Georgia from 2006 - 2010.  Using Geographical Information Systems and mitigating surveillance bias through statistical technique, multivariate analysis was conducted on 14 land-use variables that included natural topography, agricultural development, and urbanization to model positive raccoon rabies cases. 

Results/Conclusions

Low intensity residential development was positively associated with reported rabid raccoons while evergreen forest was negatively associated.  Evergreen forests may offer a barrier effect where resources are low and raccoon populations are not supported.  Areas with pure stands of upland evergreen forest might be utilized in baiting strategies for oral rabies vaccination programs to support baiting zones where fewer or no baits may be needed.  Their use as a barrier should be considered carefully in a cost-effective strategy for oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programs to contain the western spread of this important zoonotic disease.