Introduction to Rabies Surveillance in Michigan.

Due to the threat of rabies to human health and the spread of raccoon-strain rabies in the United States, a multi-agency rabies working group was organized in 1997. The group includes:  representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of  Agriculture, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan State University, United States Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), physicians from  county Health Departments, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Association of  Animal Control Officers, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Veterinary Medicine Association, Michigan Humane Society, and the University of Michigan. This group was formed to: (1)  educate the citizens of Michigan concerning rabies and the various strains of rabies; (2) prevent new strains of rabies from becoming established in Michigan; (3) prevent an increase in the disease and risk to humans, pets, and livestock from existing strains of rabies; (4) implement rabies research; and (5) promote recommendations necessary to protect the health, welfare, and economic interests of the people of Michigan.