Immunization of foxes Vulpes vulpes by the oral and intramuscular routes with inactivated rabies vaccines.

Inactivated rabies vaccines prepared from common vaccine strains of virus were inoculated into foxes by the intramuscular and intestinal route. There were differences among the vaccines in the duration of antibody produced after intramuscular administration. Inactivated vaccines deposited directly into the lumen of the duodenum by means of a fiberscope caused seroconversion in some foxes, especially following a booster dose, but the antibodies produced were for the most part of short duration. The ERA modified live virus vaccine, in contrast, produced a satisfactory and long lasting antibody after intestinal instillation.