Investigating how wildlife rabies spreads to humans and livestock
Official title: Mentored Research (K01) Integrative Spatial Epidemiology Study of Wildlife Rabies Spillover
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11113919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how rabies spreads from bats to people and animals, and it aims to find ways to help keep everyone safe from this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | June 27, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,125 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AI168452-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in areas where wildlife rabies is prevalent or those who work closely with livestock.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in regions affected by wildlife rabies or who do not interact with wildlife or livestock may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the transmission of rabies from wildlife, particularly bats, to humans and livestock. By combining spatial modeling with extensive epidemiological, genomic, and ecological data, the project aims to identify the factors that contribute to pathogen spillover. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could inform public health strategies and preventive measures against rabies and other zoonotic diseases. The research is led by Dr. Luis Escobar, who is receiving training to enhance his skills in bioinformatics and laboratory management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing rabies transmission from wildlife to humans and livestock.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding zoonotic disease transmission through similar integrative approaches, indicating that this methodology is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Escobar, Luis E — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Escobar, Luis E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.