Insights into the occurrence of rabies viruses in multi-species animals based on diagnostic laboratory submissions

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV), primarily affecting the central nervous system of mammals. Understanding the epidemiology of animal rabies is critical for developing effective prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to analyze animal rabies cases received at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Georgia, USA, over 5 years (2019–2023), focusing on the most commonly infected species, seasonality trends, and geographical distributions. A total of 1,560 rabies-suspect cases, representing 21 species of animals, were tested using a direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT). Of 1,560 cases, 5.6% (88/1560) were positive across 11 species, with domestic animals accounting for 17% (15/88) of rabies cases, whereas wildlife species exhibited a higher occurrence of 83% (73/88). Among wildlife, the affected species were raccoons (35.2% [31/88]), skunks (25% [22/88]), white-tailed deer (8% [7/88]), foxes (6.8% [6/88]), bats (4.5% [4/88]), bobcats (2.3% [2/88]), and great kudu (1.1% [1/88]). In domestic animals, the affected species included bovine (6.8% [6/88]), feline (5.7% [5/88]), caprine (2.3% [2/88]), and equine (2.3% [2/88]). Positive cases were predominantly detected in submissions from Georgia, with a few additional cases identified in neighboring states and unknown locations. Furthermore, fall, spring, and summer seasons showed high infection rates compared with winter. Our findings highlight distinct seasonal trends and the significant burden of rabies among wildlife in the Southeastern United States.