Benefit Cost Scenarios of Potential Oral Rabies Vaccination for Skunks in California

Authors

Stephanie A. Shwiff, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Ray T. Sterner, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
Robert Hale, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
Michele T. Jay, California Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Section
Ben Sun, California Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Section
Dennis Slate, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2009

Comments

Published in Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 45(1), 2009, pp. 227–233.

Abstract

Scenario-based analyses were computed for benefits and costs linked with hypothetical oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns to contain or eliminate skunk-variant rabies in skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in California, USA. Scenario 1 assumed baiting eight zones (43,388 km² total) that comprised 73% of known skunk rabies locations in the state. Scenario 2 also assumed baiting these eight zones, but further assumed that added benefits would result from preventing the spread of skunk-variant rabies into Los Angeles County, USA. Scenarios assumed a fixed bait cost ($1.24 each) but varied campaigns (one, two and three annual ORV applications), densities of baits (37.5/km², 75/km² and 150/km²), levels of prevention (50%, 75%, and 100%), and contingency expenditures if rabies recurred (20%, 40%, and 60% of campaign costs). Prorating potential annual benefits during a 12-yr time horizon yielded benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) between 0.16 and 2.91 and between 0.34 and 6.35 for Scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. Economic issues relevant to potentially managing skunk-variant rabies with ORV are discussed.