Serologic evidence of nonfatal rabies exposure in a free-ranging oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) in Cotapata National Park, Bolivia

Abstract

A clinically healthy free-ranging oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) was live-trapped in Boliva in 2000. Based on serology, we concluded that this animal was exposed to feline panleukopenia virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and rabies virus. The rabies virus-neutralizing antibody titer (>70 IU/ml) in this oncilla was unusual for an asymptomatic animal exposed to street virus and at a level expected in animals exposed to a large amount of virus, clinically affected, or vaccinated. Based on a subsequent 18 mo of radiotracking, we concluded that the oncilla had a nonfatal exposure to rabies virus. © Wildlife Disease Association 2004.