Environmental drivers of rabies in the Volga region of Russia: application of the maxent model

Thus, using ecological niche modeling, key risk factors for rabies were identified, and a geographical zoning of the Volga region was performed according to the level of risk of rabies transmission in wild animal populations. This spatial delineation has fundamentally transformed the approach to rabies management. Instead of applying uniform measures across the entire region, veterinary services can now implement a targeted strategy. This includes prioritizing intensifying wildlife surveillance in these areas, thereby optimizing the use of limited resources and enhancing the overall effectiveness of rabies control programs.