Rabies can lead to carnivores-vehicle collisions: A survey in Fars province, Iran

Road mortality caused by collisions with vehicles is the most tangible impact of road networks on wildlife. Neurological disorders in animals resulting from infectious diseases such as rabies can exacerbate the risk of road kills. To investigate this aspect, we examined 10 carnivores that had collided with cars and were subsequently transferred to the Bamou Rescue Centre. The Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) results were positive for rabies in four individuals. In addition to these four carnivores involved in vehicle collisions and found to be rabid, three other wild individuals in the province were reported to be infected with rabies without any history of road accidents. Rabies thus poses a significant threat to wildlife biologists, public health officials, and veterinarians who are typically involved in rescuing carnivores involved in road accidents. These findings emphasize the importance of veterinarians being knowledgeable about the potential causes and backgrounds of carnivore road accidents.