ON THE QUESTION OF FURTHER RABIES CONTROL IN GERMANY

By means of a mathematical model the question is considered whether an d how rabies can be controled in Germany by oral vaccination of foxes. The model shows that from the success obtained so far one should not yet assume to have rabies under control. Because immunization of foxes causes an increase in the fox population size, the number of availabl e vaccine baits per fox decreases. Model calculations indicate, at lea st in some areas of Germany, it may be necessary to increase vaccine b aits per area in order to reach and maintain a rabies free stage.