Quantitative Risk Assessment of the Introduction of Rabies into Japan through the Illegal Landing of Dogs from Russian Fishing Boats in the Ports of Hokkaido, Japan

摘要

Japan has been free from rabies since 1958 and various preventive measures are in place to protect the country from the introduction of the disease. Historical reviews indicate that the problem of the illegal landing of dogs from Russian fishing boatsin the ports of Hokkaido was serious especially in the late 1990s and this could potentially be a source of introduction of rabies into Japan. This study aims to quantitatively assess the risk of the introduction of rabies into Japan through the illegallanding of dogs from Russian fishing boats in the ports of Hokkaido. The evidence-based information provided by this risk assessment will be valuable in guiding policy decision for the improvement of the rabies prevention system currently enforced in Japan.