Abstract:The cyclic nature of rabies epizootics in fox populations in Alaska continue despite strong evidence for global warming in the circumpolar Arctic. Records have been kept on prevalence of rabies in Alaskan wildlife since 1971. Rabies is prevalent, especially in arctic (Vulpes [Alopex] lagopus) and red (Vulpes vulpes) foxes, the main vectors for rabies in Alaska, and in dogs.
The annual basis of rabies epizootics remains principally a winter phenomenon, with cases increasing in November and continuing at a relatively high rate through April. The cyclic nature of rabies epizootics continues to occur at 3- to 4-year intervals with peaks in arctic and red fox cases being surprisingly coincident in most years; diseases in dogs reflect the cycles observed in foxes.
Human exposures have also been closely monitored thus allowing comparison up through 2007. Human exposures which most often occur through contact with dogs have declined dramatically over the 37-year period which is a result of the Rabies Control Program instituted in Alaska in1978. This program entailed vaccination of dogs, especially in rabies enzootic areas of northern and western Alaska. A consultation between the state epidemiology office and the local care giver was also instituted to determine the type and extent of exposure to the rabies virus.
Previously even minor human exposures involved subsequent post exposure prophylaxis, but considerably fewer individuals are treated under the new program. No human deaths from rabies have occurred in Alaska during this 37-year period and historically only 3 cases have occurred, the last in 1943.
