Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

This history of rabies in California wildlife is reviewed, noting that in the state there have been cases of rabies occurring in canids (coyotes, foxes), bobcats, skunks, and bats, in particular. The current problem of sylvatic rabies in the state, which materialized by the mid-1950s, is emphasized. Long-term cycles of rabies in wildlife are poorly understood. Data regarding animals diagnosed with rabies in California by specie and by county are reported for the period 1952 through 1966. While it is noted that the state’s requirements have successfully controlled and prevented rabies in dogs, California lacks a program of organized rabies control in wildlife. It is suggested that the Division of Wildlife Services within the Bureau of Sport Fisheries &Wildlife - USDI, if provided state funding to conduct sylvatic rabies surveillance and control, would greatly assist in managing this growing concern.