Dr. Smith stated that Ohio had the first warning of raccoon rabies in 1996, but the epizootic was not apparent until 1997. She stated that the eastern border of Ohio is partially protected by Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountain range where the density of raccoons is quite low. A more extensive area was baited in September 1997 and in April 1998. To date more than 1 million baits have been distributed over 1,540 square miles. Evaluation of the program is ongoing through enhanced rabies testing of suspect animals, assessing antibody sero-prevalence in live trapped raccoons, and analyzing bone samples for the presence of the tetracycline biomarker.
Results are pending.
As of mid-September 1998, there were only 18 raccoons in Ohio that tested positive for rabies compared to 49 confirmed positive at the same time in 1997. All of the rabid raccoons were found well within the existing immune barrier. Two cats, a fox and a skunk were also confirmed positive with the raccoon strain in 1998. However, as long as raccoon rabies exists in Pennsylvania, Ohio must maintain an immune barrier and active surveillance. A contingency plan has been drafted in the case of a break in the barrier.