1
|
Akinsulie OC, Adebowale OO, Adesola RO, Banwo OG, Idris I, Ogunleye SC, Fasakin O, Bakre A, Oladapo IP, Aliyu VA, Waniwa EO, Fasiku O, Joshi M, Olorunshola M. Holistic application of the one health approach in the prevention and control of rabies: plausible steps towards achieving the 2030 vision in Africa. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2024; 6:22. [PMID: 39261974 PMCID: PMC11389241 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-024-00108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Rabies remains a significant public health challenge in Africa, primarily burdening impoverished rural communities, with children and young adults being the most vulnerable. Achieving complete elimination in the continent by 2030 requires a coordinated effort hinged on the One Health concept, external support from international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the national governments of endemic countries. Here, we reviewed the various socio-economic and ecological factors influencing the spatial distribution and molecular epidemiology of the disease. To mitigate the transmission of rabies on a global scale, and specifically in Africa, we proposed a multi-pronged approach including enhanced access to healthcare resources, cultural sensitization and massive health promotion with efforts geared towards promoting responsible dog and pet ownership and population management, effective monitoring, and mitigation of environmental changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Chris Akinsulie
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | | | - Ridwan Olamilekan Adesola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olamilekan Gabriel Banwo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Idris
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Seto Charles Ogunleye
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS, 39760, USA
| | | | - Adetolase Bakre
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoluwa Peace Oladapo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Victor Ayodele Aliyu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Emily Onesai Waniwa
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Technical Services, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Oluwatobi Fasiku
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Melina Joshi
- Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Mercy Olorunshola
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Freddy Patrick NOB, Julius AN, Jean-Pierre MK, Moctar MMM. Rabies incidence and burden in three cities of Cameroon (2004-2013). Vet Anim Sci 2024; 24:100347. [PMID: 38590833 PMCID: PMC10999468 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a fatal disease occurring worldwide and especially in almost all the countries in Asia and Africa including Cameroon. Though animal and human rabies is prevalent in Cameroon, the epidemiology and socio-economic burden of the disease in the country is not known. Therefore, a 10-year (October 2004-April 2013) retrospective study on the incidence of animal and human rabies and its burden in Garoua, Ngaoundéré and Yaoundé in Cameroon was carried out. Records of human cases were extracted from the database of the regional hospitals, and animal cases from the databases of Centre Pasteur and National Veterinary Laboratory. The burden of the disease was assessed through the estimation of costs linked to preventive measures (vaccination), corrective procedures (Post Exposure Treatment), Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) and overall societal cost of the disease. Overall, 56 rabies-suspected human deaths, corresponding to an incidence of 0.02 ± 0.00 ‱ and Animal Rabies Incidence (ARI) of 0.37 ± 0.00 % among 1844 suspected animal cases were recorded. The economic loss due to preventive measures of 326,046 ± 28,130.85 USD, related to corrective procedures of 806,741.25 ± 2,466.08 USD, and DALY of 1690.28 ± 4.76 years were estimated. This is the first study that highlights the enormous socio-economic burden associated with animal and human rabies in endemic parts of Cameroon and emphasizes on enhancing rabies eradication strategy focusing on the One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngah Osoe Bouli Freddy Patrick
- Livestock Development Corporation (SODEPA), Cameroon
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- College of Technology, University of Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Awah-Ndukum Julius
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- College of Technology, University of Bamenda, Cameroon
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rupprecht CE, Buchanan T, Cliquet F, King R, Müller T, Yakobson B, Yang DK. A Global Perspective on Oral Vaccination of Wildlife against Rabies. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:241-284. [PMID: 38381612 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The long-term mitigation of human-domestic animal-wildlife conflicts is complex and difficult. Over the last 50 yr, the primary biomedical concepts and actualized collaborative global field applications of oral rabies vaccination to wildlife serve as one dramatic example that revolutionized the field of infectious disease management of free-ranging animals. Oral vaccination of wildlife occurred in diverse locales within Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East, and North America. Although rabies is not a candidate for eradication, over a billion doses of vaccine-laden baits distributed strategically by hand, at baiting stations, or via aircraft, resulted in widespread disease prevention, control, or local disease elimination among mesocarnivores. Pure, potent, safe, and efficacious vaccines consisted of either modified-live, highly attenuated, or recombinant viruses contained within attractive, edible baits. Since the late 1970s, major free-ranging target species have included coyotes (Canis latrans), foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus; Vulpes vulpes), jackals (Canis aureus; Lupulella mesomelas), raccoons (Procyon lotor), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and skunks (Mephitis mephitis). Operational progress has occurred in all but the latter species. Programmatic evaluations of oral rabies vaccination success have included: demonstration of biomarkers incorporated within vaccine-laden baits in target species as representative of bait contact; serological measurement of the induction of specific rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, indicative of an immune response to vaccine; and most importantly, the decreasing detection of rabies virus antigens in the brains of collected animals via enhanced laboratory-based surveillance, as evidence of management impact. Although often conceived mistakenly as a panacea, such cost-effective technology applied to free-ranging wildlife represents a real-world, One Health application benefiting agriculture, conservation biology, and public health. Based upon lessons learned with oral rabies vaccination of mesocarnivores, opportunities for future extension to other taxa and additional diseases will have far-reaching, transdisciplinary benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Rupprecht
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA
| | - Tore Buchanan
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L1Z8, Canada
| | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, Domaine de Pixérécourt, CS 40009 Malzeville, France
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Am V'Olamo 3, Jerusalem 95463, Israel
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Boris Yakobson
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Derech HaMaccabim 62, Rishon Lezion, 50250, Israel
| | - Dong-Kun Yang
- Viral Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 177, Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 39660, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tenzin T, Hikufe EH, Hedimbi N, Athingo R, Shikongo MB, Shuro T, Iipinge J, Herman N, Naunyango M, Haufiku F, Peter J, Hango L, Gottlieb S, Shoombe K, Denzin N, Busch F, Lohr F, Letshwenyo M, Torres G, Freuling CM, Müller T, Shilongo A. Dog ecology and rabies knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011631. [PMID: 38315727 PMCID: PMC10881021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2021, a comprehensive dog demographic questionnaire combined with a KAP survey were conducted in the northern communal areas (NCAs) of Namibia with the aim of gaining a better understanding of dog populations, owner behaviour, and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to rabies. The survey of 3,726 households across the eight regions of the NCAs provided insights that will inform interventions in order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia's dog rabies control strategy. The results showed a relatively low average human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1 indicating a surprisingly high dog population of at least 272,000 dogs in the NCAs, 93% of which appear to be owned but are free-roaming. Data analysis revealed opportunities but also highlighted needs for improvements in rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccinations. Although knowledge, attitude, and practice scores towards epidemiologic and clinical aspects, human rabies prevention, and dog rabies vaccination were deemed to be acceptable, the survey nevertheless revealed deficiencies in certain aspects in some of the population. Interestingly, data seemed to indicate relatively high dog bite incidences per 100,000 people, ranging between 262 and 1,369 and a certain number of unreported human rabies cases. Despite the very high number of dogs, only 50% of dog-owning households reported having vaccinated their dogs. In order to address these issues, the planning, announcement, and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns needs to be adapted to achieve adequate vaccination coverage. Another focus needs to be on rabies awareness and education if Namibia is to be significantly contributing to the global goal of "Zero by 30".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Tenzin
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Emmanuel H. Hikufe
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Nehemia Hedimbi
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kunene region, Opuwo, Namibia
| | - Rauna Athingo
- Animal Disease Control—North, State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Mainelo Beatrice Shikongo
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Zambezi region, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Thompson Shuro
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kavango East region, Rundu, Namibia
| | - Johannes Iipinge
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Nelson Herman
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Matias Naunyango
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ohangwena region, Eenhana, Namibia
| | - Frenada Haufiku
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Oshikoto region, Omuthiya, Namibia
| | - Josephat Peter
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Laina Hango
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Sara Gottlieb
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kavango East region, Nkurunkuru, Namibia
| | - Kenneth Shoombe
- Animal Disease Control—North, State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Nicolai Denzin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Moetapele Letshwenyo
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Conrad M. Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mogano K, Sabeta CT, Suzuki T, Makita K, Chirima GJ. Patterns of Animal Rabies Prevalence in Northern South Africa between 1998 and 2022. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:27. [PMID: 38276638 PMCID: PMC10819520 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabies is endemic in South Africa and rabies cycles are maintained in both domestic and wildlife species. The significant number of canine rabies cases reported by the World Organization for Animal Health Reference Laboratory for Rabies at Onderstepoort suggests the need for increased research and mass dog vaccinations on specific targeted foci in the country. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of animal rabies cases from 1998 to 2017 in northern South Africa and environmental factors associated with highly enzootic municipalities. A descriptive analysis was used to investigate temporal patterns. The Getis-Ord Gi statistical tool was used to exhibit low and high clusters. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between the predictor variables and highly enzootic municipalities. A total of 9580 specimens were submitted for rabies diagnosis between 1998 and 2022. The highest positive case rates were from companion animals (1733 cases, 59.71%), followed by livestock (635 cases, 21.88%) and wildlife (621 cases, 21.39%). Rabies cases were reported throughout the year, with the majority occurring in the mid-dry season. Hot spots were frequently in the northern and eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Thicket bush and grassland were associated with rabies between 1998 and 2002. However, between 2008 and 2012, cultivated commercial crops and waterbodies were associated with rabies occurrence. In the last period, plantations and woodlands were associated with animal rabies. Of the total number of municipalities, five consistently and repeatedly had the highest rabies prevalence rates. These findings suggest that authorities should prioritize resources for those municipalities for rabies elimination and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kgaogelo Mogano
- Agricultural Research Council, GeoInformatics Division, Natural Resources and Engineering, 600 Belvedere St., Pretoria 0083, South Africa
- Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Claude Taurai Sabeta
- Veterinary Tropical Diseases Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council (Onderstepoort Veterinary Research), Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Toru Suzuki
- Department of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
| | - Kohei Makita
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
| | - George Johannes Chirima
- Agricultural Research Council, GeoInformatics Division, Natural Resources and Engineering, 600 Belvedere St., Pretoria 0083, South Africa
- Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shibabaw AD, Nakambale HN, Bangalee V. Inventory management practices: implications on the pharmaceuticals expenditure of rabies vaccine in public health facilities, Namibia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:823. [PMID: 37533090 PMCID: PMC10394911 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09790-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve well-regulated distribution, storage, and utilization of the rabies vaccine, health facilities should adhere to standard operating procedures. In Namibia, information on inventory management, utilization, monitoring, and reporting of rabies vaccine adherence to standard operating procedures in public healthcare facilities is insufficient. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to rabies vaccine standard operating procedures and inventory management and to compare rabies vaccine expenditure to the number of patients who received rabies vaccination at the Ministry of Health and Social Services' public healthcare facilities from 2018 to 2020. METHODS A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was sent to 147 pharmacy staff and warehouse managers working in the 14 regions of Namibia during the period of May 1, 2021, to June 2, 2021. The overall expenditure and the total number of patients vaccinated from 2018 to 2020 were obtained from national-level logistic and vaccination program coordinators. Data were coded and transcribed into Microsoft® Excel® 2013 and analyzed using SPSS® version 27. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-three completed questionnaires were received from sixty-nine public health centers and hospitals. The group of respondents consisted of pharmacist assistants (50%), pharmacy technicians (12%), pharmacists (36.8%), senior pharmacists (0.8%), and chief pharmacists (1.5%). Overall, adherence to standard operating procedures was poor (27.1%). Rabies vaccine distributed to public health facilities from 2018 to 2020 was worth N$75,381,419.91 (~ US$4,074,671.46) and was expected to vaccinate 87,269 patients; however, only 95 cases of both rabies and rabid dog-bite patients were reported. The major inventory management challenges for public healthcare facilities include an inadequate number of pharmacy staff, poor adherence to standardized pharmaceutical warehousing, lack of regular supervision, and inadequate staff training. CONCLUSION Inventory management practices in public healthcare facilities were not in compliance with standard operating procedures. There is a significant discrepancy between rabies vaccine expenditure and the number of patients that were vaccinated. Therefore, there is a need for adequate staff training on inventory management and regular facility supervision to enforce optimal rabies vaccine inventory management practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alemnew Dessie Shibabaw
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
- Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Hilma N Nakambale
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Varsha Bangalee
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Freuling CM, Busch F, Shikongo MB, Silume N, van der Westhuizen J, Khaiseb S, Shilongo A, Müller T. Emergency response using oral rabies vaccination of dogs -field data from Namibia demonstrate high efficiency. One Health 2023; 16:100562. [PMID: 37363208 PMCID: PMC10288086 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, and in resource-constrained settings, vaccinating dogs to control the disease at source remains challenging for various reasons. Currently, rabies elimination efforts rely on mass dog vaccination by the parenteral route. While oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of dogs is primarily considered a tool to increase herd immunity, particularly by targeting free-roaming and stray dogs, here, we are showcasing an ORV-only approach as an emergency response model. Using a third-generation vaccine and a standardized egg-flavored bait, we assessed the effectiveness and vaccination under field conditions in the Zambezi region of Namibia. During this trial, with four teams and within four working days, 3097 dogs were offered a bait, of which 88,0% were considered vaccinated. Teams managed to vaccinate, on average, over 20 dogs/h, despite using a door-to-door vaccination approach. The favorable results both in terms of bait acceptance and successful vaccination as well as field applicability and effectiveness further support the great potential of ORV in dog rabies control programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad M. Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mainelo Beatrice Shikongo
- Animal Disease Control, Zambezi Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Nzwana Silume
- Animal Disease Control, Zambezi Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Jolandie van der Westhuizen
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
From Field Tests to Molecular Tools-Evaluating Diagnostic Tests to Improve Rabies Surveillance in Namibia. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020371. [PMID: 36851585 PMCID: PMC9966532 DOI: 10.3390/v15020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabies is endemic in Namibia and is present both in wildlife carnivores and domestic free-roaming dogs. The disease thus represents a challenge for public human and veterinary disease control. Namibia has implemented a national strategic plan to control rabies and the country's activities are supported by international organizations. To this end, rabies diagnosis at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) was improved in the frame of a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) laboratory twinning program: from practical sampling techniques and the use of lateral flow devices to a novel universal and discriminatory quantitative real-time Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), which easily identify dog-associated rabies viruses. The procedures applied and the results can be used as a template to improve rabies laboratory diagnosis.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hayes S, Lushasi K, Sambo M, Changalucha J, Ferguson EA, Sikana L, Hampson K, Nouvellet P, Donnelly CA. Understanding the incidence and timing of rabies cases in domestic animals and wildlife in south-east Tanzania in the presence of widespread domestic dog vaccination campaigns. Vet Res 2022; 53:106. [PMID: 36510331 PMCID: PMC9743725 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The "Zero by 30" strategic plan aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and domestic dog vaccination is a vital component of this strategic plan. In areas where domestic dog vaccination has been implemented, it is important to assess the impact of this intervention. Additionally, understanding temporal and seasonal trends in the incidence of animal rabies cases may assist in optimizing such interventions. Data on the incidence of probable rabies cases in domestic and wild animals were collected between January 2011 and December 2018 in thirteen districts of south-east Tanzania where jackals comprise over 40% of reported rabies cases. Vaccination coverage was estimated over this period, as five domestic dog vaccination campaigns took place in all thirteen districts between 2011 and 2016. Negative binomial generalized linear models were used to explore the impact of domestic dog vaccination on the annual incidence of animal rabies cases, whilst generalized additive models were used to investigate the presence of temporal and/or seasonal trends. Increases in domestic dog vaccination coverage were significantly associated with a decreased incidence of rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals. A 35% increase in vaccination coverage was associated with a reduction in the incidence of probable dog rabies cases of between 78.0 and 85.5% (95% confidence intervals ranged from 61.2 to 92.2%) and a reduction in the incidence of probable jackal rabies cases of between 75.3 and 91.2% (95% confidence intervals ranged from 53.0 to 96.1%). A statistically significant common seasonality was identified in the monthly incidence of probable rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals with the highest incidence from February to August and lowest incidence from September to January. These results align with evidence supporting the use of domestic dog vaccination as part of control strategies aimed at reducing animal rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals in this region. The presence of a common seasonal trend requires further investigation but may have implications for the timing of future vaccination campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Kennedy Lushasi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | - Joel Changalucha
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elaine A Ferguson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lwitiko Sikana
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Katie Hampson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Christl A Donnelly
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen S. Spatial and temporal dynamic analysis of rabies: A review of current methodologies. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2022; 17. [PMID: 36468590 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Rabies continues to be one of the deadliest, high risk diseases worldwide, posing a severe threat to public health. The lack of human-to-human transmission means that the spread of rabies is not significantly affected by the distribution of humans or migra- tion. Thus, the spatiotemporal dynamic of cases in both wild and domestic animals is an important issue that can result in human cases. This paper gives an overview of the methodologies for the spatial and temporal dynamic analysis of this disease. It introduces the most representative research progress of spatial aggregation, dynamic transmission, spatiotemporal distribution, epidemiologi- cal analysis and application of modelling in the study of rabies transmission in recent years. This overview should be useful for investigating the spatial and temporal dynamics of rabies, as it could help understanding the spread of cases as well as contribute to the development of better prevention and control strategies in ecology and epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuaicheng Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fouché J, Reilly BK, de Crom EP, Baeumchen YK. Diet of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) on farmlands in Namibia. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
12
|
Freuling CM, Busch F, Vos A, Ortmann S, Lohr F, Hedimbi N, Peter J, Nelson HA, Shoombe K, Shilongo A, Gorejena B, Kaholongo L, Khaiseb S, van der Westhuizen J, Dietze K, Geurtse G, Müller T. Oral rabies vaccination of dogs-Experiences from a field trial in Namibia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010422. [PMID: 35994498 PMCID: PMC9436088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, and in resource-constrained settings, vaccinating dogs to control the disease at source remains challenging. Currently, rabies elimination efforts rely on mass dog vaccination by the parenteral route. To increase the herd immunity, free-roaming and stray dogs need to be specifically addressed in the vaccination campaigns, with oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of dogs being a possible solution. Using a third-generation vaccine and a standardized egg-flavoured bait, bait uptake and vaccination was assessed under field conditions in Namibia. During this trial, both veterinary staff as well as dog owners expressed their appreciation to this approach of vaccination. Of 1,115 dogs offered a bait, 90% (n = 1,006, 95%CI:91-94) consumed the bait and 72.9% (n = 813, 95%CI:70.2-75.4) of dogs were assessed as being vaccinated by direct observation, while for 11.7% (n = 130, 95%CI:9.9-17.7) the status was recorded as "unkown" and 15.4% (n = 172, 95%CI: 13.4-17.7) were considered as being not vaccinated. Smaller dogs and dogs offered a bait with multiple other dogs had significantly higher vaccination rates, while other factors, e.g. sex, confinement status and time had no influence. The favorable results of this first large-scale field trial further support the strategic integration of ORV into dog rabies control programmes. Given the acceptance of the egg-flavored bait under various settings worldwide, ORV of dogs could become a game-changer in countries, where control strategies using parenteral vaccination alone failed to reach sufficient vaccination coverage in the dog population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Martin Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Adriaan Vos
- Ceva Innovation Center GmbH, Dessau–Rosslau, Germany
| | | | | | - Nehemia Hedimbi
- Animal Disease Control, Kunene, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Opuwo, Namibia
| | - Josephat Peter
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Omusati, Namibia
| | | | - Kenneth Shoombe
- Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Animal Disease Control, North, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Chief Veterinary Officer, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Brighton Gorejena
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ogongo Campus, University of Namibia, Wnindhoek, Namibia
| | - Lukas Kaholongo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ogongo Campus, University of Namibia, Wnindhoek, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Jolandie van der Westhuizen
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Klaas Dietze
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rupprecht CE, Mani RS, Mshelbwala PP, Recuenco SE, Ward MP. Rabies in the Tropics. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:28-39. [PMID: 35371908 PMCID: PMC8960221 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rabies is an ancient yet still neglected tropical disease (NTD). This review focuses upon highlights of recent research and peer-reviewed communications on the underestimated tropical burden of disease and its management due to the complicated dynamics of virulent viral species, diverse mammalian reservoirs, and tens of millions of exposed humans and animals - and how laboratory-based surveillance at each level informs upon pathogen spread and risks of transmission, for targeted prevention and control. Recent Findings While both human and rabies animal cases in enzootic areas over the past 5 years were reported to PAHO/WHO and OIE by member countries, still there is a huge gap between these "official" data and the need for enhanced surveillance efforts to meet global program goals. Summary A review of the complex aspects of rabies perpetuation in human, domestic animal, and wildlife communities, coupled with a high fatality rate despite the existence of efficacious biologics (but no therapeutics), warrants the need for a One Health approach toward detection via improved laboratory-based surveillance, with focal management at the viral source. More effective methods to prevent the spread of rabies from enzootic to free zones are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Rupprecht
- LYSSA LLC, Atlanta, GA USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL USA
| | - Reeta S. Mani
- Department of Neurovirology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Rabies, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Philip P. Mshelbwala
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sergio E. Recuenco
- Facultad de Medicina San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Müller T, Hassel R, Jago M, Khaiseb S, van der Westhuizen J, Vos A, Calvelage S, Fischer S, Marston DA, Fooks AR, Höper D, Freuling CM. Rabies in kudu: Revisited. Adv Virus Res 2022; 112:115-173. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
15
|
Nyasulu PS, Weyer J, Tschopp R, Mihret A, Aseffa A, Nuvor SV, Tamuzi JL, Nyakarahuka L, Helegbe GK, Ntinginya NE, Gebreyesus MT, Doumbia S, Busse R, Drosten C. Rabies mortality and morbidity associated with animal bites in Africa: a case for integrated rabies disease surveillance, prevention and control: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048551. [PMID: 34857556 PMCID: PMC8640643 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review was to map the current situation and available evidence and gaps on rabies morbidity, mortality, integrated rabies surveillance programmes, and existing prevention and control strategies in Africa. METHODS We conducted a systematic scoping review following the Joanna Briggs methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. Medline, Embase, CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Scopus, Web of Science and rabies web conferences were used to search for peer-reviewed publications between January 1946 and May 2020. Two researchers reviewed the studies and extracted data based on author (year) and region, study design and data collection duration, participants/comparators, interventions, control conditions/exposures and outcomes (rabies mortality and morbidity) and key findings/gaps/challenges. The results were reported narratively using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. RESULTS Electronic search yielded 2775 records, of which 43 studies were included. A total of 543 714 bite victims were censored through the included studies. Most of the victims were less than 15 years of age. The studies included rabies morbidity (21) and mortality (15) fluctuating in space and time across Africa depending on countries' rabies prevention and control practices (16). Others were surveillance (nine studies); surveillance and prevention (five studies); management and control (seven studies); and surveillance, prevention and control (six studies). We found challenges in rabies reporting, existing dog vaccination programmes and post-exposure prophylaxis availability or compliance. CONCLUSION This study found challenges for dog rabies control and elimination in Africa and the need for a policy to drive the goal of zero dog-transmitted rabies to humans by 2030.This is an open-access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build on this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated and the use is non-commercial (see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Suwirakwenda Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Weyer
- Centre for Emerging Zoonosis and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rea Tschopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Mihret
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Victor Nuvor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jacques Lukenze Tamuzi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gideon Kofi Helegbe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Nyanda Elias Ntinginya
- Mbeya Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Mbeya, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | | | - Seydou Doumbia
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology & University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Reinhard Busse
- Department of Health Care Management, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wobessi JNS, Kenmoe S, Mahamat G, Belobo JTE, Emoh CPD, Efietngab AN, Bebey SRK, Ngongang DT, Tchatchouang S, Nzukui ND, Modiyinji AF, Simo REG, Ka'e AC, Tazokong HR, Ngandji AB, Mbaga DS, Kengne-Nde C, Sadeuh-Mba SA, Njouom R. Incidence and seroprevalence of rabies virus in humans, dogs and other animal species in Africa, a systematic review and meta-analysis. One Health 2021; 13:100285. [PMID: 34258372 PMCID: PMC8254041 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is transmitted to humans mainly by dogs but also by other animal species. Reliable data on the incidence of Rabies virus (RABV) in humans, dogs, and other animal species in Africa, could be essential in the implementation of a global strategic plan to eliminate the RABV by 2030 as adopted by the WHO, OIE, and FAO. We searched the Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, African Journal Online, and African Index Medicus databases for relevant studies that report data on the incidence of RABV in Africa up to February 17, 2020. Information on active and past RABV exposures in various categories of dogs, humans and other animal species were extracted. Incidence and seroprevalence estimates were pooled using a random-effect meta-analysis. We included 73 articles which provided 142 RABV incidence and seroprevalence records in 21 African countries. The estimated incidence of RABV in 222 humans, 15,600 dogs, and 12,865 other animal species was 83.4% (95% CI = 64.6-96.5), 44.1% (95% CI = 35.1-53.4), and 41.4% (95% CI = 29.6-53.8), respectively. The estimated seroprevalence of RABV in 420 humans, 3577 dogs, and 8,55 other animal species was 33.8% (95% CI = 21.9-46.8), 19.8% (95% CI = 13.3-27.3), and 3.6% (95% CI = 0.3-9.2), respectively. The incidence of RABV in general was higher in suspected rabid dogs, other animal species of the Orders Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla and Carnivora. The incidence of RABV was higher for humans in regions of West and East Africa, for dogs in urban areas and in regions of Central and South Africa, and for animals of the order Perissodactyla in urban areas. This meta-analysis demonstrated a high incidence of RABV in Africa. Itis necessary to improve surveillance system to provide reliable data on RABV in Africa, essential for the implementation of an effective control strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Noel Sowe Wobessi
- Virology Department, Centre, Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Virology Department, Centre, Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Gadji Mahamat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Jean Thierry Ebogo Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Atembeh Noura Efietngab
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Dimitri Tchami Ngongang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Nathalie Diane Nzukui
- School of Health Sciences-Catholic University of Central Africa, Department of Medical Microbiology, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji
- Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon
- Department of Animals Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Aude Christelle Ka'e
- Virology Department, Chantal Biya International Reference Centre, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Hervé Raoul Tazokong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Arnol Bowo Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Nde
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre, Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lushasi K, Hayes S, Ferguson EA, Changalucha J, Cleaveland S, Govella NJ, Haydon DT, Sambo M, Mchau GJ, Mpolya EA, Mtema Z, Nonga HE, Steenson R, Nouvellet P, Donnelly CA, Hampson K. Reservoir dynamics of rabies in south-east Tanzania and the roles of cross-species transmission and domestic dog vaccination. J Appl Ecol 2021; 58:2673-2685. [PMID: 35221371 PMCID: PMC7612421 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of different species in the transmission of multi-host pathogens, such as rabies virus, is vital for effective control strategies. Across most of sub-Saharan Africa domestic dogs Canis familiaris are considered the reservoir for rabies, but the role of wildlife has been long debated. Here we explore the multi-host transmission dynamics of rabies across south-east Tanzania.Between January 2011 and July 2019, data on probable rabies cases were collected in the regions of Lindi and Mtwara. Hospital records of animal-bite patients presenting to healthcare facilities were used as sentinels for animal contact tracing. The timing, location and species of probable rabid animals were used to reconstruct transmission trees to infer who infected whom and the relative frequencies of within- and between-species transmission.During the study, 688 probable human rabies exposures were identified, resulting in 47 deaths. Of these exposures, 389 were from domestic dogs (56.5%) and 262 from jackals (38.1%). Over the same period, 549 probable animal rabies cases were traced: 303 in domestic dogs (55.2%) and 221 in jackals (40.3%), with the remainder in domestic cats and other wildlife species.Although dog-to-dog transmission was most commonly inferred (40.5% of transmission events), a third of inferred events involved wildlife-to-wildlife transmission (32.6%), and evidence suggested some sustained transmission chains within jackal populations.A steady decline in probable rabies cases in both humans and animals coincided with the implementation of widespread domestic dog vaccination during the first 6 years of the study. Following the lapse of this program, dog rabies cases began to increase in one of the northernmost districts. Synthesis and applications. In south-east Tanzania, despite a relatively high incidence of rabies in wildlife and evidence of wildlife-to-wildlife transmission, domestic dogs remain essential to the reservoir of infection. Continued dog vaccination alongside improved surveillance would allow a fuller understanding of the role of wildlife in maintaining transmission in this area. Nonetheless, dog vaccination clearly suppressed rabies in both domestic dog and wildlife populations, reducing both public health and conservation risks and, if sustained, has potential to eliminate rabies from this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Lushasi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London
| | - Elaine A. Ferguson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicodem J. Govella
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T. Haydon
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Geofrey J. Mchau
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel A. Mpolya
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | - Hezron E. Nonga
- Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Rachel Steenson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katie Hampson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pal P, Yawongsa A, Bhatta R, Shimoda H, Rukkwamsuk T. Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2021.190-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Animal rabies is endemic in Nepal, and it occurs in two forms. Although governmental and non-governmental agencies are working toward the control of rabies by mass dog vaccination and stray dog population management, there is still massive number of rabies incidence reported to the reference veterinary laboratory, Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess animal species, temporal, regional, and agro-ecological distribution patterns of animal rabies in Nepal from 2005 to 2017.
Materials and Methods: The epidemiological data on animal rabies from the period of 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The laboratory-confirmed rabies cases were analyzed according to animal species, temporal, regional (developmental zones), and agro-ecological distributions. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution patterns of rabies.
Results: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 2771 suspected rabies cases in animals were reported to The Central Veterinary Hospital, Kathmandu. Of which, 1302 were found laboratory-confirmed cases. The rabies cases were most commonly reported and confirmed in dogs followed by other domestic animals. The high occurrences were recorded between 2005 and 2007. However, the incidence was increased during 2016 and 2017. The highest number of rabies cases was recorded in the eastern development zone, and the least number in the central zone at regional level. Likewise, it was highest in the Terai (plain) region and lowest in mountainous areas at agro-ecological zones. The findings also revealed that the occurrences of rabies significantly differed among seasons.
Conclusion: Rabies is present in Nepal throughout the year and all seasons with seasonal variation. Among the animal species, dogs are the primary animals affected with rabies followed by cattle and other domestic animals. At the regional level, eastern development zone had the highest incidence and Central development zone recorded the least. Similarly, the Terai region had the highest incidence rates, and the least overall prevalence rate was observed in mountainous regions among agro-ecological zones. Therefore, the government should implement the strict enforcement of mass dog vaccination and dog population management through one health approach to control rabies incidence in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pushkar Pal
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Clinics, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal
| | - Adisorn Yawongsa
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Rajesh Bhatta
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Clinics, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Theera Rukkwamsuk
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mshelbwala PP, Weese JS, Sanni-Adeniyi OA, Chakma S, Okeme SS, Mamun AA, Rupprecht CE, Magalhaes RJS. Rabies epidemiology, prevention and control in Nigeria: Scoping progress towards elimination. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009617. [PMID: 34398902 PMCID: PMC8389847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human rabies remains a significant public health problem in Africa with outbreaks reported in most countries. In Nigeria–the most populous country in Africa–rabies causes a significant public health burden partly due to perennial obstacles to implementing a national prevention and control program. Methods We conducted a scoping review using standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify and select published articles from Nigeria during 1978–2020 reporting on rabies virus infections (human, canine, livestock, and wildlife), canine bites, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surveys on rabies and canine ecology studies. We extracted information on study location, year and additional details of each study such as rabies prevalence, general characteristics of offending dogs, dog vaccination status and health-seeking behaviours. Findings Between 1978 and 2020, 90 published articles met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of rabies virus antigen detection varied between 3% and 28%, with more studies in the north. Most bites were unprovoked from dog bite studies (36.4%-97%), by dogs with low vaccination rates (12–38%). A more significant proportion of biting dogs were owned (31–90%). Laboratory confirmation for biting was available for only a small proportion of studies (6%; n = 2/32). Of the dogs surveyed during ecology studies, indigenous dogs accounted for the majority (62–98%), used mostly for security purposes (52–98%), with the vaccination rate between 15% and 38% in most states. Studies conducted in areas distant from rabies diagnostic facilities accounted for more human rabies cases and fewer dog rabies cases. Conclusion Significant improvements are necessary to achieve the elimination of human rabies mediated via dogs by 2030. Rabies remains one of the deadliest zoonoses known to humanity since antiquity, resulting in tens of thousands of human deaths each year, mostly in African and Asian countries. Mass dog vaccination, enhanced surveillance, improved access to Pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrE) and (Post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) to at-risk groups, enforcement of responsible dog ownership and public education are keystones to rabies prevention and control. Since the first reported case in Nigeria during 1912, rabies has continued to take its toll on human and animal lives. However, gross underreporting due to a frail health care infrastructure, deficient reporting systems, and misdiagnosis with neurological diseases further complicated by socio-cultural practices have resulted in a lack of empirical data to support rabies prioritization, per the global target of 2030. We used the standard PRISMA guidelines to select Nigerian rabies studies between 1978 and 2020. Rabies risk, coupled with welfare concerns identified in this study, demonstrates the need for continued advocacy towards legislation prohibiting the dog trade in Nigeria and elsewhere. The high-risk community groups identified in this review (i.e., children, butchers, and adult males) need to be educated on response to dog bite exposure to reduce the impact of this invariable fatal but preventable disease. Moreover, there is a need for mandatory dog vaccination and implementation of a national rabies program to attain the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended vaccination coverage of at least 70%. We unravel the need to establish rabies diagnostic centres in the country’s six geopolitical zones. Local inclusion of dog bite occurrence by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), with related community surveillance tools, can help in rabies/dog surveillance. In addition, there is a need for investment into pathogen discovery by enhancing laboratory-based surveillance for wildlife rabies, understanding its potential role in Nigeria and the need for quantitative research to understand the various risk factors for disease perpetuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip P. Mshelbwala
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
- * E-mail: ,
| | - J. Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Canada
| | | | - Shovon Chakma
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Stephen S. Okeme
- Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration Abuja Nigeria
| | - Abdullah A. Mamun
- Institute of Social Science Research, the University of Queensland, Long Pocket, Australia
| | | | - R. J. Soares Magalhaes
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- Children’s Health and Research Centre, Children’s Health and Environment Program, the University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mananggit MR, Kimitsuki K, Saito N, Garcia AMG, Lacanilao PMT, Ongtangco JT, Velasco CR, Rosario MVD, Lagayan MGO, Yamada K, Park CH, Inoue S, Suzuki M, Saito-Obata M, Kamiya Y, Manalo DL, Demetria CS, Quiambao BP, Nishizono A. Background and descriptive features of rabies-suspected animals in Central Luzon, Philippines. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:59. [PMID: 34321105 PMCID: PMC8320061 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00351-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Philippines is one of the major endemic countries for canine rabies in Southeast Asia. However, detailed description and analysis of laboratory-confirmed animal rabies are limited. Highly accurate surveillance requires a thorough understanding of the target area-specific problems and obstacles. Therefore, we aim to describe and analyze the rabies suspect animals in Central Luzon, Philippines, to clarify the characteristics of management and clinical signs by conducting interviews with the owners. Methods We prospectively collected information on the rabies suspect animals submitted to the Regional animal laboratory in Central Luzon through passive laboratory-based rabies surveillance between 1st April 2019 and 30th September 2020. We performed active interviews directly or telephonically with the owner. The direct fluorescent antibody test was performed on the hippocampus, brain stem, and cerebellum for laboratory confirmation. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the number of rabies cases according to management methods and characteristics of suspected animals during the observation period. Clinical symptoms of suspected rabid animals were analyzed by univariate logistic regression analysis. Results There were 292 sample submissions during the study period. Of these, 160 were positive for dFAT. Samples of pet animals (85.3%) provided by owners or their acquaintances (59.2%) accounted for the majority of laboratory confirmed cases. Case mapping showed that more rabies-suspected cases were sent from areas near the regional laboratory than from those far from the laboratory, despite the incidence of rabies being high in these areas. The management and clinical symptoms of 227 animal cases showed that most owners were managing their animals at home and were allowing them to roam outside (69.6%) and be unvaccinated (78.9%). Rabid animals were more likely to manifest aimless running, restlessness, and agitation. Conclusions Our study provided some features of animals with laboratory-confirmed rabies in Central Luzon. However, most of the samples were submitted from areas near the rabies diagnosis laboratory, and the number of samples submitted from remote areas was low. To improve the surveillance capacity, it is necessary to increase sample submissions from remote areas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-021-00351-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milagros R Mananggit
- Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Agriculture Field Office III, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
| | - Kazunori Kimitsuki
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan
| | - Nobuo Saito
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan.,School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Alyssa Marie G Garcia
- Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Agriculture Field Office III, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
| | - Patricia Mae T Lacanilao
- Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Agriculture Field Office III, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
| | - Joely T Ongtangco
- Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Agriculture Field Office III, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
| | - Cornelio R Velasco
- Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Agriculture Field Office III, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
| | - Maria Victoria D Rosario
- Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Agriculture Field Office III, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
| | - Maria Glofezita O Lagayan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan.,Bureau of Animal Industry, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Kentaro Yamada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Chun-Ho Park
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan.,National Institute of Infectious Disease, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Motoi Suzuki
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan.,National Institute of Infectious Disease, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuhiko Kamiya
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daria L Manalo
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Catalino S Demetria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan.,Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Beatriz P Quiambao
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Akira Nishizono
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Changalucha J, Hampson K, Jaswant G, Lankester F, Yoder J. Human rabies: prospects for elimination. CAB REVIEWS : PERSPECTIVES IN AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, NUTRITION AND NATURAL RESOURCES 2021; 16:039. [PMID: 34765015 PMCID: PMC8580373 DOI: 10.1079/pavsnnr202116039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Almost half of all countries in the world are effectively free of human deaths from dog-mediated rabies. But the disease still affects people in low- and middle-income countries, especially the rural poor, and children. Successful regional elimination of human rabies is attributable to advances in significant and sustained investment in dog vaccination, post-exposure vaccination and surveillance, illustrated by productive efforts to reduce human rabies in Latin America over the last 35 years. Nonetheless, countries still facing endemic rabies face significant barriers to elimination. Using the 2017 Global Strategic Plan to end human rabies deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 as a reference point and an organizing framework, we assess progress toward global rabies elimination by examining the characteristics of successful regional control efforts and barriers to elimination. Although substantive barriers exist for countries where rabies remains endemic, advances in knowledge, technology, institutions, and economics provide a basis for optimism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Changalucha
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es salaam, 14112, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12, 8QQ, UK
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, 23, Tanzania
| | - Katie Hampson
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12, 8QQ, UK
| | - Gurdeep Jaswant
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12, 8QQ, UK
- University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya
- Tanzania Industrial Research Development Organisation (TIRDO), P.O. Box 23235, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Felix Lankester
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority Building, P.O. Box 1642, Arusha, Tanzania
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington state University, P.O. Box 647090, Pullman, Washington, WA 99164 United States of America
| | - Jonathan Yoder
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington state University, P.O. Box 647090, Pullman, Washington, WA 99164 United States of America
- School of Economic Sciences, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646210, Pullman, Washington, WA 99164-6210, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Koeppel KN, van Schalkwyk OL, Thompson PN. Patterns of rabies cases in South Africa between 1993 and 2019, including the role of wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:836-848. [PMID: 33738979 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is a global viral zoonosis endemic to South Africa, resulting in fatal encephalitis in warm-blooded animals, including humans. The loss of human lives and economic losses in rural areas through loss of livestock are substantial. A review was conducted of all confirmed animal rabies cases in South Africa from 1993 to 2019, with a total of 11 701 cases identified to species level to assess the role that wildlife plays in the epidemiology of rabies. A spatio-temporal cluster analysis using a discrete Poisson space-time probability model, accounting for underlying estimated dog and livestock densities, identified 13 significant clusters (p < .05). These included four long-term clusters lasting more than 8 years in duration and seven short-term clusters lasting less than 2 years, with the remaining two clusters being of intermediate length. Outside of these endemic clusters, wildlife outbreaks in the remainder of South Africa were often less than one and a half years in duration most likely due to the rapid decline of wildlife vectors, especially jackals associated with rabies infection. Domestic dogs accounted for 59.8% of cases, with domestic cats (3.2%), livestock (21.1%) and wildlife (15.8%) making up the remainder of the cases. Yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) was the most frequently affected wildlife species, followed by bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas), meerkat (Suricata suricatta) and aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). Rabies in wildlife species followed different spatial distributions: black-backed jackal cases were more common in the north-western parts of South Africa, yellow mongoose cases more frequent in central South Africa, and bat-eared fox and aardwolf cases were more frequent in southern and western South Africa. Clusters often spanned several provinces, showing the importance of coordinated rabies control campaigns across administrative boundaries, and high-risk areas were highlighted for rabies in South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Natalie Koeppel
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Ockert Louis van Schalkwyk
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Government of South Africa, Skukuza, South Africa.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Peter N Thompson
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Athingo R, Tenzin T, Coetzer A, Hikufe EH, Peter J, Hango L, Haimbodi T, Lipinge J, Haufiku F, Naunyango M, Kephas M, Shilongo A, Shoombe KK, Khaiseb S, Letshwenyo M, Pozzetti P, Nake L, Nel LH, Freuling CM, Müller T, Torres G. Application of the GARC Data Logger-a custom-developed data collection device-to capture and monitor mass dog vaccination campaigns in Namibia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008948. [PMID: 33370285 PMCID: PMC7793283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs are responsible for 99% of all cases of human rabies and thus, mass dog vaccination has been demonstrated to be the most effective approach towards the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies. Namibia demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by applying government-led strategic rabies vaccination campaigns to reduce both human and dog rabies incidences in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia since 2016. The lessons learnt using paper-based form for data capturing and management of mass dog vaccination campaign during the pilot and roll out phase of the project (2016–2018) led to the implementation of a simple and accurate data collection tool in the second phase (2019–2022) of the rabies elimination program. In this paper, we describe the implementation of such custom-developed vaccination tracking device, i.e. the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Data Logger (GDL), and the integration of the collected data into a website-based rabies surveillance system (Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin—REB) during 2019 and 2020 campaigns. A total of 10,037 dogs and 520 cats were vaccinated during the 2019 campaign and 13,219 dogs and 1,044 cats during the 2020 campaign. The vaccination data were recorded with the GDL and visualized via REB. Subsequent GIS-analysis using gridded population data revealed a suboptimal vaccination coverage in the great majority of grid cells (82%) with a vaccination coverage below 50%. Spatial regression analysis identified the number of schools, estimated human density, and adult dog population were associated with the vaccination performance. However, there was an inverse correlation to human densities. Nonetheless, the use of the GDL improved data capturing and monitoring capacity of the campaign, enabling the Namibian government to improve strategies for the vaccination of at-risk areas towards achieving adequate vaccination coverage which would effectively break the transmission of rabies. We used a custom-developed vaccination tracking device—the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Data Logger—to capture dog rabies vaccination data during the 2019 and 2020 mass vaccination campaign in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia, and then integrated the collected data into the web-based Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin, a rabies-specific disease surveillance platform for rabies-endemic countries. This approach allowed automatic collation, analysis and, visualization of data and drastically improved the data capturing and monitoring capacity of the Namibian government led campaign. Additionally, subsequent GIS analysis enabled a better estimation of vaccination coverage at a much higher spatial resolution, thus identifying areas where improvements in the vaccination strategy are needed to ensure long-term success of the project.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rauna Athingo
- Animal Disease Control, Sub-division, North-West, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Tenzin Tenzin
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Andre Coetzer
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel H. Hikufe
- Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Josephat Peter
- Outapi State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Laina Hango
- Outapi State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Tangeni Haimbodi
- Ondangwa State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Johannes Lipinge
- Ondangwa State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Frenada Haufiku
- Omuthiya State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Oshikoto region, Omuthiya, Namibia
| | - Matias Naunyango
- Eenhana State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ohangwena region, Eenhana, Namibia
| | - Magano Kephas
- Eenhana State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ohangwena region, Eenhana, Namibia
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Kenneth K. Shoombe
- Animal Disease Control, Sub-division, North-West, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Moetapele Letshwenyo
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Lorenz Nake
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Louis H. Nel
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Conrad M. Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald—Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald—Insel Riems, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rohde RE, Rupprecht CE. Update on lyssaviruses and rabies: will past progress play as prologue in the near term towards future elimination? Fac Rev 2020; 9:9. [PMID: 33659941 PMCID: PMC7886060 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is an ancient, much-feared, and neglected infectious disease. Caused by pathogens in the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus, and distributed globally, this viral zoonosis results in tens of thousands of human fatalities and millions of exposures annually. All mammals are believed susceptible, but only certain taxa act as reservoirs. Dependence upon direct routing to, replication within, and passage from the central nervous system serves as a basic viral strategy for perpetuation. By a combination of stealth and subversion, lyssaviruses are quintessential neurotropic agents and cause an acute, progressive encephalitis. No treatment exists, so prevention is the key. Although not a disease considered for eradication, something of a modern rebirth has been occurring within the field as of late with regard to detection, prevention, and management as well as applied research. For example, within the past decade, new lyssaviruses have been characterized; sensitive and specific diagnostics have been optimized; pure, potent, safe, and efficacious human biologics have improved human prophylaxis; regional efforts have controlled canine rabies by mass immunization; wildlife rabies has been controlled by oral rabies vaccination over large geographic areas in Europe and North America; and debate has resumed over the controversial topic of therapy. Based upon such progress to date, there are certain expectations for the next 10 years. These include pathogen discovery, to uncover additional lyssaviruses in the Old World; laboratory-based surveillance enhancement by simplified, rapid testing; anti-viral drug appearance, based upon an improved appreciation of viral pathobiology and host response; and improvements to canine rabies elimination regionally throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas by application of the best technical, organizational, economic, and socio-political practices. Significantly, anticipated Gavi support will enable improved access of human rabies vaccines in lesser developed countries at a national level, with integrated bite management, dose-sparing regimens, and a 1 week vaccination schedule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodney E Rohde
- Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Molecular characterization of rabies viruses from two western provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2008-2017). Virus Genes 2020; 56:651-656. [PMID: 32696325 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01784-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although rabies is enzootic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there is very little molecular epidemiological information about the viruses circulating in animals. In this study, a fragment of the rabies virus (RABV) nucleoprotein gene was amplified and sequenced from 21 animal brain samples collected in two western provinces of the country between 2008 and 2017. The samples tested were from cat (n = 1), dog (n = 17), goat (n = 2), and sheep (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences generated were highly similar to each other and belonged to lineage Africa 1b clustering with a single sample identified in a canine in the Republic of Congo in 2014. This is the first molecular epidemiological study of RABV in the DRC and the data generated will assist authorities in the development of effective control strategies for rabies in the country.
Collapse
|
26
|
Yu J, Xiao H, Yang W, Dellicour S, Kraemer MUG, Liu Y, Cai J, Huang ZXY, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Huang W, Zhang H, Gilbert M, Tian H. The impact of anthropogenic and environmental factors on human rabies cases in China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2544-2553. [PMID: 32348020 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human rabies is a public health problem in Asia, especially in less-developed regions where the disease is under-reported because of a lack of epidemiological surveillance. To address this gap, we collected data on human rabies in Yunnan Province, China, between 2005 and 2016. Using statistical mapping techniques, we correlated the occurrence of human rabies to environmental (elevation, precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI], temperature and distance to the nearest main rivers) and anthropogenic (human and dog population density, distance to the nearest main roads and gross domestic product [GDP]) factors. We used a performance score, the average area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (0.88), to validate our risk model. Using this model, we found that environmental factors were more strongly associated with human rabies occurrence than anthropogenic factors. Areas with elevation below 2000 metres, GDP per capita between $750 and $4500/year and NDVI below 0.07 were associated with greater risk of human rabies. Rabies control in China should specifically target these areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Geospatial Big Data Mining and Application, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Big Data Mining and Application, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Weihong Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, China
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Moritz U G Kraemer
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Big Data Mining and Application, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Cai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng X Y Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, China
| | - Wenli Huang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, China
| | - Marius Gilbert
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Huaiyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fighting Dog-Mediated Rabies in Namibia-Implementation of a Rabies Elimination Program in the Northern Communal Areas. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5010012. [PMID: 31963400 PMCID: PMC7157552 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The major part of the global burden of dog-mediated rabies falls on Africa and Asia, where still an estimated 60,000 people die of the disease annually. Like in many African countries, dog-mediated rabies is a major public health concern in Namibia, costing the country an estimated 242 human deaths during the past two decades, in particular in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs). Consequently, under the “One Health” concept, the Namibian government adopted a National Rabies Control Strategy in 2015, which strives to contribute to the global goal of ending dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. A key component of this strategy was the implementation a dog rabies elimination program in the NCAs in 2016, being designed as a stepwise regional rollout strategy by building on experience gained in a pilot project area. The area of implementation covers approximately 263,376 km2 and 64 constituencies, with around 1.2 million inhabitants and estimated 93,000 dogs.
Collapse
|