Maternal immunity against rabies in raccoon dogs

The objective of the study was to examine possible maternally transferred a ntibodies (maAb) against rabies in raccoon dogs. Ten cubs born from a rabie s-immune animal were bled on days 31, 36, 43, 50, 57 and 64 post partum. Th e geometric mean titres of the cubs were 1.19, 1.18, 0.45, 0.25, 0.25 and 0 .16 IU/ml, respectively. Up to 36 days post partum maAb were detected in al l cubs at levels greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml and at day 56 postpartu m all animals had maAb levels < 0.5 IU/ml. Based on the results of this stu dy, it is suggested that vaccine baits should not be distributed before Jul y if the vaccination campaign is aimed at immunizing young raccoon dogs as well.