Bat Rabies in Massachusetts, USA, 1985–2009

Abstract

To investigate rabies in Massachusetts, we analyzed bat rabies test results before and after introduction of raccoon variant rabies and after release of revised 1999 US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for rabies postexposure prophylaxis. Bat submissions were associated with level of rabies awareness and specific postexposure recommendations.

Keywords

• Rabies
• bats
• exposure
• raccoon rabies virus variant
• viruses
• Massachusetts