A method of producing a virus like particle (VLP) in a plant is provided. The method comprises introducing a first nucleic acid into the plant, or portion of the plant. The first nucleic acid comprising a first regulatory region active in the plant operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a native rabies virus structural protein. The nucleotide sequence may further comprise one or more than one amplification element. Optionally, a second nucleic acid might be introduced into the plant, or portion of the plant. The second nucleic acid comprising a second regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a matrix protein, for example but not limited to a rabies matrix protein. The plant or portion of the plant is incubated under conditions that permit the expression of the nucleic acids, thereby producing the VLP.