RABIES ANTIBODIES IN SERA OF WILD BIRDS

Three hundred forty-three birds representing six orders and 22 species were examined serologically for antibodies against rabies. Low passive hemagglutination titers were observed in 23 samples. Fifteen of 65 (23.1%) predatory birds and 8 of 278 (2.9%) non-predatory birds were positive. Rabies antibody positive sera from non-predatory species were from species commonly thought to be scavengers suggesting the importance of the oral route for the presentation of rabies virus to birds.