Rabies in Central America: An Historical Review

Central America played a key role in the history of rabies from the pre-colonial period to the present. Several million years ago, the rise of the Isthmus of Panama led to the Great American Interchange and the dispersal of key mammalian taxa between North and South America, several of whom would play a significant role as reservoirs. The problem of bites by vampire bats were recognized by indigenous peoples and colonial explorers alike, but the potential significance of viral transmission was not appreciated to a wider extent until the late nineteenth century. Introduced European domestic animals greatly influenced the epidemiology of rabies throughout Central America for over 500 years. Translocated canine rabies was reported from the region since the 1700s. Livestock ranching provided an ample resource for hematophagous bats. During the twentieth century, the development of improved biologics and mass vaccination of dogs reduced the major burden of rabies. Although significant progress has occurred in rabies prevention and control over the past century, continued vigilance is required to meet the global 2030 goal of canine rabies elimination. Moreover, the existence of sylvatic rabies among bats and mesocarnivores will require additional applied research, new strategies, and consideration of a regional One Health approach to maximize additional health benefits for affected human, domestic animal, and wildlife populations.