Rabiesvirus exposure poses a serious threat to public health in Alaska. Rabies was first identified in rural Alaska during a major epizootic in 1945-47. A 1945 report from Goodnews Bay, Alaska noted, "red foxes exhibiting symptoms attacked humans, dogs, cats and automobiles." Animals carrying rabiesvirus have since been discovered throughout most of Alaska, with red and arctic fox the primary reservoir. Three human cases of rabies have been documented in Alaska. Two recent bat rabies cases in Southeast Alaska have public health professionals preparing for a new variant.
Role of Tribal Environmental Health Programs
Alaska's Tribal Environmental Health Programs work to prevent human rabies exposure through participation in the Lay Vaccinator Program. This program allows Lay Vaccinators, in the absence of a licensed veterinarian, to administer rabies vaccine to domestic animals as well as train village residents to immunize animals under their supervision. The Lay Vaccinator Program has been credited with helping to prevent further human rabiesvirus fatalities since its inception in 1976.
