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Alfred Demaria - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Aggression and rabid coyotes, Massachusetts, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2010Co-Authors: Xingtai Wang, Sandra Smole, Michael Farris, Catherine M Brown, Barbara G. Werner, Alfred DemariaAbstract:To the Editor: In 1959, coyotes (Canis latrans) were found in only 3 Massachusetts towns, but by 2007, their population was estimated at 10,000 and they were present throughout the state, except on the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket (1). The coyote is highly adaptable and readily tolerates living near humans (2). Because the raccoon Rabies virus (RRV) variant is endemic to Massachusetts and spillover into the coyote population occurs (3), coyotes are a potential source of Rabies exposure for humans. Rabies in coyotes has emerged in Massachusetts at the same time that coyote and human populations have increased. From 1985 through 2008, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health tested coyotes by following the standard direct fluorescent antibody Testing protocol published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (4). Of the 111 coyotes submitted for Rabies Testing, 4 (3.6%) were unsatisfactory because of decomposed brain tissue. Of the remaining 107 coyotes, 10 (9.0%) were found to be rabid; strain typing confirmed all 10 to have had spillover RRV. Within each county, the time between the first identification of RRV in an animal and finding a rabid coyote within that county ranged from 558 to 4,857 days; median was 2,799 days. The long time before spillover from raccoon to coyote was detected suggests that coyotes might avoid rabid reservoir animals. The time lag may also be the result of the distinct ecologic niches of these animals; coyotes are the top predators in ecosystems, and raccoons are only 1 of several mesocarnivores. The public health Rabies surveillance system in the United States is passive and relies on interaction of humans or domestic animals with Rabies vector species (5). Because a rabid wild animal would go untested if a human or domestic animal had not had potentially infectious contact with it, the 10 coyotes with confirmed Rabies likely represented only some portion of all rabid coyotes in Massachusetts during the study period. Among 97 nonrabid coyotes, 7 had reportedly been in contact with humans and domestic animals. Among the 10 rabid coyotes, 4 were reported to have been in contact with humans and domestic animals. The coyotes in contact with both were 8.6× more likely to be rabid than were those in contact with only 1 or the other (p
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Factors associated with rabid animals since the introduction of raccoon Rabies variant in Massachusetts, 1992-2007.
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont N.Y.), 2010Co-Authors: Xingtai Wang, Sandra Smole, Alfred Demaria, Mary J.r. GilchristAbstract:Abstract Rabies virus has been identified in 26 animal species since the introduction of the raccoon Rabies variant (RRV) into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1992. This study used data from 47,162 testable specimens, including 4538 (9.62%) rabid animals, to produce a multi-categorical logistic regression model to identify factors associated with a positive Rabies laboratory test. The model was adjusted by the animal type and animal species, using the least tested and the least found rabid animal species pooled as a reference group. The c-statistic for the final model was 0.94, and a receiver operator characteristic curve plot shows the increased sensitivity and the decreased false-positive proportion of the model. Introduction of RRV into the county where the animal was found (OR = 17.3), not up-to-date on vaccination (OR = 3.88), exposure of multiple humans, or pets, or human and pet (OR = 1.88), reason for Rabies Testing (using human exposure only as the reference group, the odds ratio for both hu...
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Animal Rabies in Massachusetts, 1985-2006.
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2009Co-Authors: Xingtai Wang, Barbara G. Werner, Dennis Hennigan, Raimond Konomi, David Fadden, Evan Caten, Susan Soliva, Alfred DemariaAbstract:In this study, we review annual Rabies data from Massachusetts from 1985 to 2006, spanning the introduction of raccoon strain Rabies in 1992. Of 52,034 animals tested, 9.7% (5,049/52,034) were rabid, representing 26 of over 67 species submitted. Bats were the most common rabid animals prior to 1992 (50 of 52), but raccoons (Procyon lotor) became the most common Rabies-positive species upon arrival of raccoon strain Rabies virus (38.2%, 2,728 of 7,138 tested), followed by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis, 34.4%, 1,489 of 4,332), bats (5.3%, 427 of 8,053), foxes (red fox, Vulpes vulpes, and gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, 16.3%, 135 of 827), cats (0.8%, 136 of 18,050), and woodchucks (Marmota monax, 5.7%, 82 of 1,446). Cats were the most frequently tested animal (34.7%). Raccoon strain Rabies spread from two foci of introduction with an initial epizootic phase of 4 yr, by which time most of the state was affected. In 1992, there was a transition from enzootic bat Rabies, with little spillover to other animals, to terrestrial Rabies associated with raccoon strain virus. Although raccoons were most affected by the raccoon strain virus, there was spillover to other species, particularly to skunks. The eastern United States raccoon Rabies epizootic led to a marked increase in submissions for Rabies Testing and the number of positive animals detected; however, bat Rabies cases remained at their previous levels. Wild animal Rabies presents a significant threat to humans and domestic/companion animals and increased costs related to increased demand for Rabies Testing, postexposure prophylaxis as well as euthanasia of valuable domestic animals.
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Submitter and technician observations, and animal Rabies detection in Massachusetts, 1992-2006.
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont N.Y.), 2008Co-Authors: Xingtai Wang, Sandra Smole, Dennis Hennigan, Alfred DemariaAbstract:A relationship was detected between the submitter and technician observations and animal Rabies detection in Massachusetts during 1992–2006 by logistic regression and Fisher exact Testing. The results suggested that aggression (OR = 3.94, p < 0.0001), disorientation (OR = 1.17, p = 0.0006), paralysis (OR = 1.22, p = 0.041), unexplained wound (OR = 1.472, p < 0.0001), and found dead (OR = 1.16, p = 0.0089) were independently associated with positive Rabies Testing results at α 0.05 level adjusted by categorized animal species and type of animal. Fisher exact test confirmed the relationship between embedded porcupine quills and skunk spray of Rabies-tested animals with positive Rabies Testing results.
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Prevention of the spread of Rabies to wildlife by oral vaccination of raccoons in Massachusetts.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1998Co-Authors: A. H. Robbins, Alfred Demaria, M. D. Borden, B. S. Windmiller, M. Niezgoda, L. C. Marcus, S. M. O'brien, Charles E. RupprechtAbstract:Objective To evaluate the use of bait containing Rabies vaccine to create a barrier of Rabies-vaccinated raccoons in Massachusetts and to determine the effectiveness of various bait distribution strategies in halting the spread of Rabies. Design Prospective study. Sample population Free-ranging raccoons. Procedure Baits were distributed twice yearly in a 207-km2 (80-mi2) area in the vicinity of the Cape Cod Canal. Bait density and distribution strategy varied among 3 treatment areas. Raccoons were caught in live traps after bait distribution and anesthetized; blood samples were obtained to measure serum antibody titers to Rabies virus. Vaccination rates were determined by the percentage of captured raccoons with antibody titers to Rabies virus > or = 1:5. In addition, raccoons with clinical signs of illness inside the vaccination zone and adjacent areas were euthanatized and submitted for Rabies Testing. Results The percentage of vaccinated raccoons differed significantly among the following 3 areas with various bait densities: high-density area with uniform bait distribution (103 baits/km2 [267 baits/mi2]) = 37%; low-density area with additional targeted bait distribution (93 baits/km2 [240 baits/mi2]) = 67%; and, high-density area with additional targeted bait distribution (135 baits/km2 [350 baits/mi2]) = 77%. Nineteen animals with Rabies (15 raccoons, 3 skunks, 1 cat) were reported in the area just outside of the vaccination zone, but only 1 raccoon with Rabies was reported from inside the vaccination zone. Clinical implications In this suburban study area, an approximate vaccination rate of 63% was sufficient to halt the spread of Rabies in free-ranging raccoons. Compared with uniform bait distribution, targeting raccoon habitats increased vaccination rates.
Rolan D. Davis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Bayesian Spatiotemporal Pattern and Eco-climatological Drivers of Striped Skunk Rabies in the North Central Plains.
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Ram K. Raghavan, Cathleen A. Hanlon, Douglas G. Goodin, Rolan D. Davis, Michael C. Moore, Susan M. Moore, Gary A. AndersonAbstract:Striped skunks are one of the most important terrestrial reservoirs of Rabies virus in North America, and yet the prevalence of Rabies among this host is only passively monitored and the disease among this host remains largely unmanaged. Oral vaccination campaigns have not efficiently targeted striped skunks, while periodic spillovers of striped skunk variant viruses to other animals, including some domestic animals, are routinely recorded. In this study we evaluated the spatial and spatio-temporal patterns of infection status among striped skunk cases submitted for Rabies Testing in the North Central Plains of US in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, and also evaluated potential eco-climatological drivers of such patterns. Two Bayesian hierarchical models were fitted to point-referenced striped skunk Rabies cases [n = 656 (negative), and n = 310 (positive)] received at a leading Rabies diagnostic facility between the years 2007–2013. The first model included only spatial and temporal terms and a second covariate model included additional covariates representing eco-climatic conditions within a 4km2 home-range area for striped skunks. The better performing covariate model indicated the presence of significant spatial and temporal trends in the dataset and identified higher amounts of land covered by low-intensity developed areas [Odds ratio (OR) = 3.41; 95% Bayesian Credible Intervals (CrI) = 2.08, 3.85], higher level of patch fragmentation (OR = 1.70; 95% CrI = 1.25, 2.89), and diurnal temperature range (OR = 0.54; 95% CrI = 0.27, 0.91) to be important drivers of striped skunk Rabies incidence in the study area. Model validation statistics indicated satisfactory performance for both models; however, the covariate model fared better. The findings of this study are important in the context of Rabies management among striped skunks in North America, and the relevance of physical and climatological factors as risk factors for skunk to human Rabies transmission and the space-time patterns of striped skunk Rabies are discussed.
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Circumstances of bat encounters and knowledge of Rabies among Minnesota residents submitting bats for Rabies Testing.
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont N.Y.), 2006Co-Authors: Alicia L. Liesener, Rolan D. Davis, Kirk E. Smith, Jeff B. Bender, Richard N. Danila, David F. Neitzel, Gerda E. Nordquist, Sandra R. Forsman, Joni ScheftelAbstract:Minnesota residents who submitted a bat to the Minnesota Department of Health for Rabies Testing in 2003 were surveyed by telephone regarding the circumstances of the bat encounter and their knowledge of bats and Rabies. Of 442 bats submitted for Testing, 12 (3%) tested positive for Rabies, and 410 (93%) tested negative; 17 (4%) bats were unsuitable for Testing, and three (1%) had equivocal results. A case-control study found that rabid bats were more likely than non-rabid bats to be found in September, found outside, found in a wooded area, unable to fly, acting ill, or acting aggressively. Rabid bats were not more likely than non-rabid bats to be found during the day or to have bitten someone. While most persons submitting bats for Rabies Testing were aware that bats can carry Rabies, few knew they should submit the bat for Testing until they sought the advice of an animal control officer, veterinarian, or healthcare provider.
Loren K. Ammerman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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High Frequency of Multiple Paternity in Eastern Red Bats, Lasiurus borealis, Based on Microsatellite Analysis.
The Journal of heredity, 2019Co-Authors: Loren K. Ammerman, Dana N Lee, Brittney A Jones, Morgan P Holt, Samuel J Harrison, Sydney K DeckerAbstract:Most species of bats give birth to only 1 pup each year, although Eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) can produce up to 5 pups per litter. Offspring in a single litter have been documented to be at different stages of development, suggesting that multiple paternity occurs. We tested the null hypothesis of genetic monogamy in red bats using 6 autosomal microsatellites and 1 X-linked microsatellite from 31 parent/offspring groups for a total of 128 bats. We sampled both pregnant females and mothers with pups that were obtained from bats submitted to departments of health in Oklahoma and Texas for Rabies Testing. Multiple paternity was assessed using a maximum-likelihood approach, hypothesis Testing, and X-linked locus exclusion. The mean polymorphic information content of our markers was high (0.8819) and combined non-exclusion probability was low (0.00027). Results from the maximum-likelihood approach showed that 22 out of 31 (71%) parent/offspring groups consisted of half siblings, hypothesis Testing rejected full sibship in 61% of parent/offspring groups, and X-linked locus exclusion suggested multiple paternity in at least 12 parent/offspring groups, rejecting our hypothesis of genetic monogamy. This frequency of multiple paternity is the highest reported thus far for any bat species. High levels of multiple paternity have the potential to impact interpretations of genetic estimates of effective population size in this species. Further, multiple paternity might be an adaptive strategy to allow for increased genetic variation and large litter size, which would be beneficial to a species threatened by population declines from wind turbines.
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TO SEARCH OR NOT TO SEARCH: HARNESSING THE POWER OF STATE DATABASES FOR YELLOW BAT CONSERVATION RESEARCH IN TEXAS
2015Co-Authors: P. Citlally Jimenez, Loren K. AmmermanAbstract:Texas houses the largest bat diversity in the nation. Some species roost in caves, buildings, and old mines, while others roost in trees. Among these, little is known about three species of tree dwellers -the Northern (Lasiurus intermedius), Southern (Lasiurus ega), and Western (Lasiurus xanthinus) yellow bats. Although L. ega and L. xanthinus have been considered rare in Texas, the number of encounters has increased recently. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of the three species of yellow bats in Texas utilizing the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) database, which summarizes all bats submitted for Rabies Testing. We examined the database by year and county occurrences of each species. Approximately 552 of 685 yellow bats submitted from 2004-2014 come from Hidalgo Co., Nueces Co. and Cameron Co. Texas, with 99 identified as L. ega. Furthermore, records of L. xanthinus have increased after first being recorded in the state in 1996 in Brewster Co. In the past four years, 8 yellow bats have been submitted from El Paso Co. and other records are known from Val Verde Co. The increasing number of records (L. ega reached a high of 10 by 2013) indicates that although once intermittent, L. ega and L. xanthinus are encountered more frequently than before. Evaluating records of yellow bats in the DSHS database allowed us to identify counties in Texas that might be productive for roosting behavior studies of these rarely researched species. Preliminary field studies are underway in Cameron Co. to analyze roost preferences for two of these yellow bats (L. ega and L. intermedius). DISCUSSION
Gary A. Anderson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Bayesian Spatiotemporal Pattern and Eco-climatological Drivers of Striped Skunk Rabies in the North Central Plains.
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Ram K. Raghavan, Cathleen A. Hanlon, Douglas G. Goodin, Rolan D. Davis, Michael C. Moore, Susan M. Moore, Gary A. AndersonAbstract:Striped skunks are one of the most important terrestrial reservoirs of Rabies virus in North America, and yet the prevalence of Rabies among this host is only passively monitored and the disease among this host remains largely unmanaged. Oral vaccination campaigns have not efficiently targeted striped skunks, while periodic spillovers of striped skunk variant viruses to other animals, including some domestic animals, are routinely recorded. In this study we evaluated the spatial and spatio-temporal patterns of infection status among striped skunk cases submitted for Rabies Testing in the North Central Plains of US in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, and also evaluated potential eco-climatological drivers of such patterns. Two Bayesian hierarchical models were fitted to point-referenced striped skunk Rabies cases [n = 656 (negative), and n = 310 (positive)] received at a leading Rabies diagnostic facility between the years 2007–2013. The first model included only spatial and temporal terms and a second covariate model included additional covariates representing eco-climatic conditions within a 4km2 home-range area for striped skunks. The better performing covariate model indicated the presence of significant spatial and temporal trends in the dataset and identified higher amounts of land covered by low-intensity developed areas [Odds ratio (OR) = 3.41; 95% Bayesian Credible Intervals (CrI) = 2.08, 3.85], higher level of patch fragmentation (OR = 1.70; 95% CrI = 1.25, 2.89), and diurnal temperature range (OR = 0.54; 95% CrI = 0.27, 0.91) to be important drivers of striped skunk Rabies incidence in the study area. Model validation statistics indicated satisfactory performance for both models; however, the covariate model fared better. The findings of this study are important in the context of Rabies management among striped skunks in North America, and the relevance of physical and climatological factors as risk factors for skunk to human Rabies transmission and the space-time patterns of striped skunk Rabies are discussed.
Richard A. Bowen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Bat ecology and public health surveillance for Rabies in an urbanizing region of Colorado
Urban Ecosystems, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas J. O’shea, Charles E. Rupprecht, Daniel J. Neubaum, Melissa A. Neubaum, Paul M. Cryan, Laura E. Ellison, Thomas R. Stanley, W. John Pape, Richard A. BowenAbstract:We describe use of Fort Collins, Colorado, and nearby areas by bats in 2001–2005, and link patterns in bat ecology with concurrent public health surveillance for Rabies. Our analyses are based on evaluation of summary statistics, and information-theoretic support for results of simple logistic regression. Based on captures in mist nets, the city bat fauna differed from that of the adjacent mountains, and was dominated by big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ). Species, age, and sex composition of bats submitted for Rabies Testing locally and along the urbanizing Front Range Corridor were similar to those of the mist-net captures and reflected the annual cycle of reproduction and activity of big brown bats. Few submissions occurred November- March, when these bats hibernated elsewhere. In summer females roosted in buildings in colonies and dominated health samples; fledging of young corresponded to a summer peak in health submissions with no increase in Rabies prevalence. Roosting ecology of big brown bats in buildings was similar to that reported for natural sites, including colony size, roost-switching behavior, fidelity to roosts in a small area, and attributes important for roost selection. Attrition in roosts occurred from structural modifications of buildings to exclude colonies by citizens, but without major effects on long-term bat reproduction or survival. Bats foraged in areas set aside for nature conservation. A pattern of lower diversity in urban bat communities with dominance by big brown bats may occur widely in the USA, and is consistent with national public health records for Rabies surveillance.
