MONGOOSE RABIES IN KANNUR, KERALA, INDIA

摘要

The Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsi is distributed almost throughout India (Prater 1965). It feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits, eggs, and invertebrates; lives in burrows and breeds throughout the year (Prater 1965). Mongoose species are known to be vectors of the rabies virus (Rhabdoviridae) (Rabies Survey Report 2003). Though the occurrence of mongoose transmitted rabies has been reported from various countries, the occurrence of dog rabies has masked its importance (Everard and Everard 1988). The outbreak of rabies through Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus in Puerto Rico led to secondary transmission todogs and other animals (Tierkel et al. 1952). Other species of Herpestidae like Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata, Suricate Suricata suricatta, Small Grey Mongoose Myonax pulverulentus, and Genet Cat Genetafelina are reported to be important vectors of rabies virus in South Africa (Neitz and Marais 1932; Snyman 1940; Snyman and Thomas 1938).