HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait uptake by captive striped skunks.

Abstract
Aerial delivery of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits has proven effective in large-scale efforts to immunize wildlife against rabies, and in North America this strategy currently is being used to immunize foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Vulpes vulpes), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and coyotes (Canis latrans). Skunks are also a major reservoir and vector of rabies, but at present oral vaccines for use in skunks are not licensed. Furthermore, given differences in morphology (smaller jaws) and behavior (food handling and consumption), it is unknown if baits currently used in ORV campaigns would be effective for skunks. Because oral vaccine delivery is contingent upon puncture of the vaccine container (VC), baits need to be sufficiently attractive to elicit selection and consumption. Manipulation of the bait to facilitate vaccine ingestion by the target species is a critical element for an effective ORV bait. The objectives of this study were to assess manipulation and consumption of current ORV baits by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis). We conducted four independent trials with penned animals and various baits to assess bait selection frequency, VC puncture frequency, and consumption. Video recorded trials were used to assess attractiveness of baits and consumption behavior of skunks. Bait characteristics, such as texture, size, and flavor influenced selection and consumption. Fish and chicken flavors were preferred and vaccine containers within selected baits were likely to be punctured. Vaccine ingestion seemed more likely if VCs were directly coated with the bait matrix. To make baits attractive to skunks and to ensure puncture of the VC, modifications to current baits should consider a smaller size, a meat-flavored matrix, a slightly pressurized VC, and a direct coating of matrix on the VC.
AuthorsSusan M Jojola, Stacie J Robinson, Kurt C VerCauteren
JournalJournal of wildlife diseases (J Wildl Dis) Vol. 43 Issue 1 Pg. 97-106 (Jan 2007) ISSN: 0090-3558 [Print] United States
PMID17347398 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • Rabies Vaccines
Topics
  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild (virology)
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Disease Reservoirs (veterinary)
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mephitidae (virology)
  • Rabies (prevention & control, veterinary)
  • Rabies Vaccines (administration & dosage)
  • Vaccination (methods, veterinary)
  • Video Recording

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: