1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 , USA
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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