[New data on the spread of P-41-positive strains of the rabies virus in arctic and extra-arctic regions].

271 strains of rabies virus, isolated in different regions of the former USSR, were studied with the use of monoclonal antibodies P-41 (Germany). All strains isolated in the arctic regions, as well as some of the strains isolated in nonarctic regions situated 300-1700 km south of the polar circle (the Baltic countries, Central Yakutia, the eastern part of the Transbaikal region), gave positive reaction with these antibodies. Cases of hydrophobia caused by virus with the 41 (+) marker were described. Information on the spread such strains in other parts of the world is presented.