Experiences with follow-up investigations of oral vaccination campaigns against rabies in foxes in Saxony with special emphasis on a standardised serology

An 8-year experience with organisation and standardisation of follow-up investigations within oral vaccination campaigns against rabies in foxes (OVF) in Saxony is summarised. With respect to OVF, the number of diagnostic tests performed during the years 1992-2000 on foxes amounts to a total of 52,226 Fluorescence antibody-(FAT), 7,551 marker-(TC) and 11,645 serological tests. The mean bait-uptake and the mean immunisation rate in foxes ranged between 78-86% and 60-89%, respectively. Based on the seroconversion rates of the years 1997-2000 observed in vaccination areas and in areas where vaccination was already finished, experience with a standardised serology under routine conditions is presented and discussed. Furthermore, recommendations concerning organisation and logistics of sampling are given.