Reconsidering Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Uptake Evaluation at Population Level: A Simple, Noninvasive, and Ethical Method by Fecal Survey Using a Physical Biomarker.

Abstract

Tetracycline and rhodamine are bait uptake biomarkers commonly used for decades in oral rabies vaccination campaigns. They require tooth collection and the capture or death of animals. Here, we considered the use of marked baits with plastic beads, a physical biomarker allowing noninvasive scat survey by direct observation in the field. Such methodology would be in compliance with animal welfare concerns. The development of a relative bait uptake estimation on the basis of observation marked scat could indeed be beneficial for the monitoring of oral vaccination programs, especially in programs dedicated to dogs ( Canis familiaris) or protected species.