Here is something which is important for the quarantine efforts to know for planning their strategies: >From: "Rupprecht, Charles" >Date: Thu, 30 Oct 97 21:23:00 +0000 > >Dear Ms. Crandall: >Perhaps there is some confusion about the scope of this project and viral >variation in the USA. As originally conceived, we were tasked to test the >pathogenesis of rabies virus variants of major public health significance >in the domestic ferret. For example, the skunk is the most important >reservoir in the upper and lower midwest and CA, and the upper midwest >rabies virus variant was tested. The raccoon is the most important >reservoir in the eastern USA, and this single major variant has been >tested. However, bats are reservoirs throughout the USA and are the >sources of the variants currently under study. As in years past, I am >confident that significant progress will be made after discussion at this >year's Compendium meeting, which should act as the major interface at the >state DOH level. Moreover, provided that our Administration will support >the ferret research this fiscal year, the most critical aspect of the study >should be approached by early spring (barring any surprises). I am hopeful >that this information approaches resolution of your queries. CR. > ---------- [Posted in FML issue 2110]