The Economics of a Successful Raccoon Rabies Elimination Program on Long Island, New York

Raccoon rabies is endemic in the eastern U.S.; however, an epizootic had not been confirmed on Long Island, New York until 2004. An oral rabies vaccination (ORV) program was initiated soon after the first rabies-positive raccoon was discovered, and continued until raccoon rabies was eliminated from the vaccination zone. The cost-effectiveness and economic impact of this rabies control program were unknown. A public health surveillance data set was evaluated following the ORV program on Long Island, and is used here as a case study in the health economics of rabies prevention and control efforts. A benefit-cost analysis was performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of the program, and a regional economic model was used to estimate the macroeconomic impacts of raccoon rabies elimination to New York State. The cost of the program, approximately $2.6 million, was recovered within eight years by reducing costs associated with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and veterinary diagnostic testing of rabies suspect animals. By 2019, the State of New York is projected to benefit from the ORV program by almost $27 million. The benefit-cost ratio will reach 1.71 in 2019, meaning that for every dollar spent on the program $1.71 will be saved. Regional economic modeling estimated employment growth of over 100 jobs and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase of $9.2 million through 2019. This analysis suggests that baiting to eliminate rabies in a geographically constrained area can provide positive economic returns.Author Summary: Raccoon rabies, a type of rabies found most frequently in raccoons, is common in the eastern U.S. Raccoon rabies is at times controlled through oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programs, in which baits containing rabies vaccine are distributed throughout the affected area to be consumed by wildlife, which then develop immunity limiting their ability to spread the disease in the population. A rabies outbreak was not detected in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island until 2004, when an ORV program was rapidly initiated in response to the discovery of a rabies-positive raccoon. As a result, raccoon rabies was eliminated in January 2009. Some questioned whether the benefits of the ORV program outweighed its costs. To find out, we performed a benefit-cost analysis of the program using avoided medical and animal testing costs to value the benefits. We also used a regional economic model to estimate the effect of the program on the economy of New York State. The results of both analyses indicated that the program had a positive economic impact, increasing employment and income in the region. The ORV program also benefited public health by reducing the need for medical treatment after possible rabies exposures. This study provides insight into the economic value of a program to eliminate rabies from an isolated area.