Translocation of coyote rabies--Florida, 1994

Abstract

Translocation of a rabies variant from one area to another has been identified increasingly in the United States. During November and December 1994, rabies was diagnosed in five dogs from two associated kennels in Florida; in addition, two other dogs being kept at one of the kennels died with suspected, but unconfirmed, rabies. Rabies virus recovered from the five dogs was identified as a variant not previously found in Florida but endemic in coyotes (Canis latrans) in south Texas. The suspected source of infection was translocation of infected coyotes from Texas to Florida. This report summarizes the findings of an investigation of these cases by the Alachua County Public Health Unit, the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and CDC.