**3. Genetic diversity of rabies virus**

Currently, phylogenetic analysis of RABV is commonly based on the N gene [4]. Previously, it was demonstrated that RABV genetic diversity has a strong geographic pattern throughout the world, which possibly results from the recent virus spread [5, 6]. Based on data received, all currently known RABV genetic variants can be divided globally into seven major groups [6]. Within these major groups, smaller genetic groups could be distinguished; thus, within the Cosmopolitan, and the Arctic/ Arctic-like major groups, circulating in the Russian Federation six smaller groups were described in Russia: Arctic rabies (northern parts of Siberia), Arctic-like rabies (Khabarovsk Krai, Transbaikal region), Steppe rabies (Eurasian Steppe), Central European Russian rabies, Northeast European Rabies, and Caucasian rabies [6–8].
