The study and control of the vectors of rabies in South Africa

Abstract

A. The study of the habits of meercats and their burrows has shown, (a) that the burrow is the most convenient place in which to destroy meercats, and (b) that those meercats, which escape contact with the gas in the burrows, together with those, that filter into an area on which destruction of meercats is taking place, may easily be destroyed by trapping. B. It is a practical proposition to exterminate Cynictis penicillata, the principle carrier of rabies, together with Suricata suricatta and Geosciurus capensis in an area, up to 10,000 morgen in extent, infected with rabies. C. A scheme has been evolved aiming at total eradication of rabies in the Union, by destroying the meercats in infected centres, first in the sparsely infected areas, and then by gradually closing in on the central infected areas. D. Success of the scheme depends on the thoroughness with which the eradication of meercats in the infected centres takes place; it should therefore, be undertaken by the State, and the work entrusted to a reliable staff, specially trained for the purpose.