Incubation periods and mortality outcomes following rabies virus infection in mesocarnivorous reservoir hosts: implications for experimental design and veterinary policy - a review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Efficacy studies are part of the regulatory requirements for obtaining marketing authorization for rabies virus vaccines intended for veterinary use. However, increasing emphasis on animal welfare and the application of the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) may prompt a critical reassessment of current standards for such studies. A substantial amount of data from numerous published experimental studies is available, which could be used to reconsider or refine existing specifications and protocols-particularly concerning observation periods post-infection (pi) and dose-finding studies.

Methods

To support this reassessment, we analyzed data from 289 published experimental studies. These studies covered both susceptibility and efficacy investiga

SUBMITTER: Muller T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12619319 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature