Molecular Characterization of Canine Rabies Virus, Mali, 2006-2013.

We genetically characterized 32 canine rabies viruses isolated in Mali during 2006-2013 and identified 3 subgroups that belonged to the Africa 2 lineage. We also detected subgroup F rabies virus. This information should be useful for development of mass vaccination campaigns for dogs and eventual large-scale control programs in this country.

Molecular epidemiology of rabies in Ukraine.

To investigate the circulation of rabies virus in Ukraine, 78 rabies virus isolates were acquired from 14 states in 2002 and 2008-2010 for characterization. Partial sequences of nucleoprotein (359 nt) and glycoprotein (344 nt) genes were compared with those from neighbouring countries. The analysis identified 39 unique nucleoprotein genes and two geographically distinct RV variants belonging to the cosmopolitan lineage.

Experimental infection of foxes with European Bat Lyssaviruses type-1 and 2.

Background: Since 1954, there have been in excess of 800 cases of rabies as a result of European Bat Lyssaviruses types 1 and 2 (EBLV-1, EBLV-2) infection, mainly in Serotine and Myotis bats respectively. These viruses have rarely been reported to infect humans and terrestrial mammals, as the only exceptions are sheep in Denmark, a stone marten in Germany and a cat in France. The purpose of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of foxes to EBLVs using silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as a model.

Experimental infection of foxes with European bat lyssaviruses type-1 and -2.

Experimental studies have been undertaken to assess the susceptibility of silver foxes to bat variants of rabies virus, namely European Bat Lyssaviruses (EBLVs). Both EBLV-1 and EBLV-2 have been isolated in European bats since 1954, in Eptesicus serotinus and Myotis species, respectively. Since 2000, the number of reported cases has increased largely due to the improvement of the surveillance of bat rabies virus throughout Europe.