Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Rabies in Alabama: Insights from Historical Trends, Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Fate, and Spatial Epizootiology

Abstract

Rabies epizootiology and management in Alabama have evolved significantly over the past two centuries, yet the influence of long-term ecological and historical factors on the effectiveness of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) programs remains poorly understood. This study synthesizes historical trends in rabies occurrence and management, emphasizing Alabama’s role as the westernmost extent of the raccoon rabies virus enzootic zone. Additionally, we investigated the effects of region, habitat, bait type, and climate on ORV bait uptake by raccoons (Procyon lotor). Our findings highlight substantial competition for baits from non-target species, particularly Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and a rapid decline in bait uptake over time as key factors limiting the success of current management efforts. These results underscore the need to tailor ORV strategies to Alabama’s unique historical context and diverse ecosystems to enhance efficiency, minimize redundancy, and reduce the economic burden associated with zoonotic disease control.