What is the major reservoir for rabies in the central United States?

• A. Bat
• B. Raccoon
• C. Fox
• D. Skunk

Answer: (D)

Wildlife rabies reservoirs vary by region, and in the central United States the species that maintains rabies transmission in the wild is the skunk. The virus cycles within skunk populations, making them the primary source of infection and spillover in that area. Bats are important reservoirs overall and can cause human and domestic animal exposures, but they are not the dominant reservoir in the central region. Raccoons are the major reservoir further east, while foxes play a much smaller role in this part of the country. So, skunks explain the ongoing rabies pattern you’d expect to see in the central United States.