The epidemiology of fox rabies in Europe
Steck, F.; Wandeler, A.
Epidemiologic Reviews 2: 71-96
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0193-936X PMID: 7000539 Document Number: 157809
The history of the spreading of rabies across Europe is reviewed, with maps showing the outbreaks in different years. The behaviour of the "frontwave" is analyzed, showing that while foxes are almost exclusively involved in introducing the disease to new areas, other species become more important after the frontwave has moved through an area. Species found infected in Switzerland are tabulated. The lower susceptibility of foxes by mouth than from bites suggests the possibility of the development of immunity by the former route. The implications of fox ecology and biology for the spread of rabies are analyzed.