Rabies in Captive Deer, Pennsylvania, USA, 2007–2010 Dr. Brett Petersen Medical Officer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Based on the article Rabies in Captive Deer, Pennsylvania, USA, 2007–2010 Brett W. Petersen, Danielle M. Tack, Allison Longenberger, Aliza Simeone, Mària E. Moll, Marshall P. Deasy, Jesse D. Blanton, and Charles E. Rupprecht Emerging Infectious Diseases January 2012 National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Emerging Infectious Diseases

What is the purpose of deer farms? Farmed deer are used for: Stocking hunting preserves These deer are often bred to have large antlers to make them appealing to hunters Producing other products such as: venison meat deer skins or hides deer urine, which can be used as an attractant for hunting velvet antlers used in traditional Chinese medicine

Why was your study concentrated in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is the first state where rabies was identified in captive deer Since the article has been published, additional cases have been reported in other states There may be increasing awareness that deer can get rabies, and so now more cases are being recognized

What is One Health? One Health A concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment Efforts to improve health should encourage collaboration among human medicine, veterinary medicine, and the environmental sciences

What is the solution to captive deer getting the rabies virus? Vaccination Vaccinating an animal not only protects that animal but also prevent it from spreading the disease Minimizing contact between deer and animals that can spread rabies E.g. storing food away from where the deer are held can help keep wild animals from coming into contact with deer

What should people do if they have been exposed to the rabies virus? If a person is bitten by an animal that might have rabies First, wash the wound with soap and water Then, seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine if vaccination is needed If the biting animal is available for testing or observation, this can also help determine if rabies vaccination is needed Rabies is completely preventable if proper medical care is given soon after the exposure occurs

How big of a threat is this? The risk to people is low Rabies is still rare among deer There has never been a human case of rabies associated with deer It is still important to be aware of the risk of rabies and to avoid contact with animals that can spread the disease People should make sure their dogs and cats are vaccinated to protect not just the pets, but the people in contact with their pets, as well

Thank you to all authors Brett W. Petersen, Danielle M. Tack, Allison Longenberger, Aliza Simeone, Mària E. Moll, Marshall P. Deasy, Jesse D. Blanton, and Charles E. Rupprecht For more information, please contact: Emerging Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop D61, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA Telephone: 1-404-639-1960/Fax: 1-404-639-1954 E-mail: eideditor@cdc.gov Web: http://www.cdc.gov/eid/ The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Emerging Infectious Diseases