Seroconversion of rabies oral vaccination in Lithuanian red fox and raccoon dog population

The objective of the present study is the evaluation of the oral rabies vaccination (ORV) effectiveness on the Lithuanian red fox and raccoon dog population in the period of 2009-2015. Oral vaccination program effectiveness assessed on the basis of the rabies virus neutralizing the antibodies levels in the blood serum using an ELISA method. During the investigation period Lithuania POV programs were using Lysvulpen (Bioveta, Czech Republic) and Fuchsoral (IDT Biologika GmbH, Germany) vaccine, which was distributed in the country in spring and autumn campaigns, 20 baits/km2 density. During the survey period using the serological assays (ELISA) 1644 raccoon dog serum samples were investigated. In the age group of young raccoon dogs vaccination efficiency (antibody titers >0.5IU/ml) was 28.39proc. and 40.39proc. in adults. Raccoon dog vaccination campaigns during the spring efficiency were 37,26proc., and the autumn - 35.87proc. During the study period 4931 red fox blood serum samples were investigated, with 32.69 proc. antibody titers were above 0.5IU/ml. In the age group of young red foxes vaccination efficiency was 26.85 proc., adult group - 33.82proc. In the spring campaigns red fox positive titers (>0.5IU/ml) amounted to 32.78proc. and 32.03proc. in autumn. The correlation coefficient between red fox and raccoon dog pups groups positives is R=0.3214, and between adults - R=0.7143