NEW INSIGHT INTO THE CHALLENGE OF CONTINU ED RABIES CONTROL IN GERMANY

With the assistance of a computer simulation model changed rabies spre ading in immunised fox populations is examined. The influence of long- time and large-scale vaccination on the virus-host-system is analysed and new effects and their causes are shown. Rabies can persist for man y years despite continuous vaccination with high immunisation rates. B ecause of the characteristic low-level prevalence the disease is prova ble by random only without using untreatable surveillance measures. Th erefore one has to keep in mind the possibility of continued rabies wi thin areas suspected rabies-free by surveillance. Consequences for eme rgency programs after termination of the vaccination will be discussed .