1
|
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
|
2
|
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
|
3
|
Omar KN, Coetzer A, Hamdu M, Malan AJ, Moh’d AZ, Suleiman TS, Nel LH. The Use of Dog Collars Offers Significant Benefits to Rabies Vaccination Campaigns: The Case of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:421. [PMID: 37624359 PMCID: PMC10459019 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080421] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tools and resources that could increase dog vaccination coverage have become increasingly critical towards progressing the goal to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. In this regard, dog collars that are fitted during vaccination campaigns could potentially enhance owner participation. The use of dog collars will, however, increase the cost per dog vaccinated and the impact and benefit of this practice should be elucidated. This study evaluated the impact of dog collars by testing the perception and related behavioural influences in communities in Zanzibar. In this cross-sectional investigation-conducted approximately two months after the implementation of a mass dog vaccination (MDV) where dog collars were provided to vaccinated dogs-data were collected from 600 respondents in 56 municipal wards in Zanzibar. Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were undertaken to determine the impact the collars had on respondents with regards to (i) engaging with the community dogs, (ii) health seeking behaviour after exposure, and (iii) overall participation during dog vaccination campaigns. From the data, it was evident that the collars had a positive impact on the community's perception of dogs, with 57% of the respondents feeling safer around a dog with a collar, while 66% of the respondents felt less safe around a dog without a collar. Furthermore, the collars had a positive impact on participation during dog vaccination campaigns. Of the 142 respondents who owned dogs, 64% reported that the collars made them more likely to take their dogs for vaccination, and 95% felt that the collar was an important sign of the dog's vaccination status. This study demonstrated that dog collars could not only improve participation during dog vaccination campaigns, but that they could also play a significant role in the community's perception of rabies vaccination campaigns and vaccinated dogs in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadija N. Omar
- Zanzibar Livestock Research Institute, Zanzibar P.O. Box 104, Tanzania
| | - Andre Coetzer
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control South Africa Non-Profit Company, Pretoria 0181, South Africa
| | - Maulid Hamdu
- Zanzibar Livestock Research Institute, Zanzibar P.O. Box 104, Tanzania
| | - Ayla J. Malan
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Ali Z. Moh’d
- Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Zanzibar P.O. Box 159, Tanzania
| | - Talib S. Suleiman
- Zanzibar Livestock Research Institute, Zanzibar P.O. Box 104, Tanzania
| | - Louis H. Nel
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control South Africa Non-Profit Company, Pretoria 0181, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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
|
5
|
Thumbi SM, Blumberg L, le Roux K, Salahuddin N, Abela B. A call to accelerate an end to human rabies deaths. Lancet 2022; 400:2261-2264. [PMID: 36528379 PMCID: PMC9754655 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S M Thumbi
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Lucille Blumberg
- Right to Care, Centurion, South Africa; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Tshwane, South Africa
| | - Kevin le Roux
- Epidemiology Unit, Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; South African Rabies Advisory Group, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Naseem Salahuddin
- Faculty of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bernadette Abela
- Department of the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Duamor CT, Lankester F, Mpolya E, Ferguson EA, Johnson PCD, Wyke S, Cleaveland S, Hampson K, Kreppel K. Participation in mass dog vaccination campaigns in Tanzania: Benefits of community engagement. Front Public Health 2022; 10:971967. [PMID: 36311637 PMCID: PMC9616113 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.971967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Canine rabies causes about 59,000 human deaths each year globally but the disease can be eliminated by sustaining sufficient dog vaccination coverage over several consecutive years. A challenge to achieving high coverage is low participation of dog owners in vaccination campaigns. We explored whether and how previously identified contributory factors to low participation can be addressed through community engagement activities. Methods We engaged communities in two wards in Tanzania on dog behavior and handling, safe ways of interacting with dogs, and their perceptions of dog vaccination. We shared and elicited information from them through village meetings, video screenings, posters and leaflets and involved the leadership of one of the wards in planning and implementing a dog vaccination exercise to explore the feasibility of their participation. We assessed the impact of engagement activities with household surveys, meeting reports, observations and focus group discussions. We used a generalized linear mixed-effects model to identify predictors of knowledge and perceptions and compared knowledge amongst respondents before and after engagement activities. Qualitative data was analyzed inductively to explore perceptions of dog handling and vaccination and feasibility, opportunities and barriers to community leadership participation in organizing mass dog vaccination. Main findings Knowledge of dog behavior, dog handling, and safe ways of interacting with dogs was positively associated with age (p < 0.0001), dog ownership (p = 0.0203), training (p = 0.0010) and previous experience of a dog bite (p = 0.0002); and was negatively associated with being afraid of dogs (p = 0.0061) and participation in a recent dog vaccination campaign (p = 0.0077). Knowledge was low before and significantly improved after engagement activities. The majority (92%) of respondents believed dog vaccination has no negative effects on dogs. Respondents perceived lack of bonding with their dog as a limitation to the ability to restrain a dog for vaccination. The community performed most roles assigned to them in the dog vaccination exercise, but barriers such as lack of motivation for volunteering exist. Conclusion Engaging communities regularly on dog vaccination can improve their knowledge of dog behavior and dog handling techniques, and may help improve owner participation in dog vaccination campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Tetteh Duamor
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Lankester
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Mpolya
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Elaine A. Ferguson
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul CD. Johnson
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Wyke
- School of Social and Political Sciences, School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Hampson
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Kreppel
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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. Rabies in dogs can be prevented by vaccination, and this approach has become a cornerstone in the control and eventual elimination of the disease. However, vaccinating hard-to-reach often free-roaming dogs are a challenge and represents one of the challenges to reach sufficient herd-immunity. A potential solution would be to vaccinate these dogs using oral baits filled with a vaccine. In this study we have assessed the acceptability of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) in Namibian dogs under field conditions. The results demonstrate that the method is acceptable both for the owners and the dogs, with a very high uptake of the egg-flavored bait. This supports the potential of ORV to contribute to vaccination programs where 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
- * E-mail:
| | - 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
|