Rabies control in wildlife is complex and challenging. However, largely through oral rabies vaccination (ORV), canine rabies was eliminated from the United States in 2007 and control of other rabies virus variants has been achieved. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) rabies presents continuing challenges, yet its expansion beyond the eastern US has been prevented through an integrated strategy relying largely on ORV. The North American Rabies Management Plan ensures continued collaboration for rabies surveillance, control, and research among Canada, Mexico, and the US (see Slate et al., doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000549).

Photo Credit: Brian M. Bjorklund (USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services MA/CT/RI).