EXPERIMENTAL RABIES IN SKUNKS - ORAL, NASAL, TRACHEAL AND INTESTINAL EXPOSURE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (2) , 168-172
Abstract
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were exposed to challenge virus standard rabies virus by feeding infected mouse brain in suspension or as intact brain free choice, by forced feeding of suspension and by intranasal, intratracheal and intraintestinal instillation of suspension. All 5 skunks exposed intranasally, 2 of 5 exposed intratracheally and 2 of 10 exposed by forced feeding developed rabies. None of the skunks exposed to challenge virus standard virus, by other methods, became rabid. Most of the survivors, when challenged i.m. with street rabies virus at 6 mo., developed rabies. The skunk is much more susceptible to challenge virus standard rabies virus given intranasally than by the other methods used. When disease occurs following oral administration, infection may be associated with prolonged contact with buccal mucosa or accidental contact with nasal mucosa. Survivirs had little or no protection when challenged i.m. with street rabies virus.