Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2023.

Abstract

Objective: Describe the epidemiologic landscape of rabies and rabies testing in the US during 2023 and provide an overview of rabies in Canada and Mexico.

Methods: The US National Rabies Surveillance System collects monthly animal rabies testing data from 54 reporting jurisdictions. Data reported in 2023 were analyzed geographically and temporally to explore trends in animal rabies cases by rabies virus variant.

Results: In 2023, 3,760 cases of animal rabies were reported to the National Rabies Surveillance System (4.2% of 89,530 samples submitted), representing a 5.1% increase from 2022. Of positive samples, 309 (8.2%) were domestic animals, and 3,451 (91.8%) were wildlife. Cats (222 [1.2%]) and bats (1,298 [5.1%]) followed by raccoons (1,085 [10.4%]) were the most frequently found rabid domestic and wild animals. No human rabies cases were reported in the US, Canada, or Mexico in 2023.

Conclusions: While a year with zero human rabies cases reported in North America represents a major success of public and animal health programs, the danger of exposure to and dying from rabies is still present. Translocation events pose a unique risk, highlighted by events during 2023. Due to the response of public and animal health agencies, the health of the public and local animals was protected. Continued effort to maintain One Health reporting mechanisms is key to the security of public and animal health.

Clinical relevance: The National Rabies Surveillance System plays a crucial role in protecting public and animal health by monitoring rabies trends in the US.