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Yoak AJ, Calinger KM, Hiby E. Assessing multiple free-roaming dog control strategies in a flexible agent-based model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19826. [PMID: 37963941 PMCID: PMC10645819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47076-x] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of free-roaming dog populations is required to mitigate the threat of pathogens like rabies, minimize conflict with people, wildlife, and livestock and improve dog welfare however there are multiple strategies currently employed including sterilization, vaccination, and lethal removal. This work describes an agent-based stochastic model, 'StreetDogSim' that can be used as a planning tool to investigate the predicted impact of different strategies with variable implementation approaches and adjustable parameters to match local conditions. Here, we explore the effects of different management strategies with additional variation in their duration, intensity, and vaccine quality on important population metrics such as overall size, demographics, vaccination coverage, time until effective population suppression, and duration of suppression. Under most model parameterizations, a strategy that targets females for sterilization with vaccination outperforms all other options with respect to population control and demographic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Yoak
- Otterbein University, Westerville, OH, USA.
| | | | - E Hiby
- International Companion Animal Management Coalition, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Raut J, Joshi A, Mudey A, Mehendale AM. The Past, Present, and Future of One Health in India: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e44992. [PMID: 37829943 PMCID: PMC10564975 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44992] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have experienced a long-lasting pandemic of COVID-19 going on since the year 2020. Such events have recently increased the demand for a competent disease outbreak response system, more precisely, a One Health platform. The interaction between humans, animals, and ecosystems is inevitable. It is a known fact that the interface between these three entities is important for survival. In rural areas, especially in developing countries, it is a common practice to keep the animal shed in close proximity to their homes. Further, this intricate relationship itself plays a role in the spread and transmission of the disease. The involvement of the human-animal interface in emerging and re-emerging diseases has caused havoc in recent times and might prove challenging to overcome. Over the years, many efforts have been made on international and national platforms to adopt and implement a transdisciplinary, collaborative, intersectoral approach in India. This review highlights the major initiatives taken for the implementation of one health and the challenges faced over the years in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Raut
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhishek Joshi
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhay Mudey
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Ashok M Mehendale
- Preventive Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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3
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Munir SMI, Mokhtar MI, Arham AF. Public perspectives on strays and companion animal management in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1428. [PMID: 37495958 PMCID: PMC10373340 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16276-5] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Strays and companion animal management is a sensitive issue in Malaysia that incites solid and conflicting views. Through structured questionnaires administered to a random sample of 704 respondents, this study explored public opinion on a) causes of the stray animal population, b) the management of the stray animal population, and c) the national strategy on strays and companion Animal Management. The results show that 70.3% of respondents agreed that a lack of public awareness regarding animal care was the major contributor to the stray animal population. In addition, 58.1% of respondents felt that treating and vaccinating animals exposed to zoonotic diseases is a viable approach that could be instituted as a reasonable measure in stray animal population management. Finally, developing animal protection areas through a multi-stakeholder partnership strategy initiative recorded the highest support (48.4%) for intervention planning for stray animal management at a national level. Notably, a significant percentage of public responses were implicitly influenced by demographic variables. These findings provide valuable insights into public opinion regarding stray and companion animal management in Malaysia. These findings could inform the development of future legislation aimed at reducing the unfavorable effects of stray animal populations on humans and the ecology of MalaysiaPlease check if affiliations [is/are] captured correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syafiq Munir Ismail Munir
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Istajib Mokhtar
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Firdhaus Arham
- Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Duncan-Sutherland N, Lissaman AC, Shepherd M, Kool B. Systematic review of dog bite prevention strategies. Inj Prev 2022; 28:288-297. [PMID: 35393286 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2021-044477] [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: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevention of dog bites is an increasingly important public health topic, as the incidence of serious injury continues to rise. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent dog bites and aggression. METHODS Online databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar), using the search terms: dog/s, canine, canis, kuri, bite/s, bitten, aggression, attack, death, fatal, mortality, injury/ies, prevention, intervention, for studies between 1960 and 2021. All study designs were considered. Outcomes of interest were the incidence of dog bites or dog aggression. Non-English studies, and those without full-text access were excluded. RESULTS Forty-three studies met the review criteria, including 15 observational and 27 interventional studies. Fifteen studies investigating dog-control legislation, including leash laws, stray dog control and infringements indicated this can reduce dog bite rates. Breed-specific legislation had less of an effect. Six studies investigating sterilisation, showed while this may reduce dog bites through a reduction in the dog population, the effect on dog aggression was unclear. An alcohol reduction programme showed a significant reduction in dog bite rates in one study. Seven studies assessing educational approaches found that intensive adult-directed education may be effective, with one study showing child-directed education was not effective. Eight studies on dog training (two police-dog related), and six evaluating dog medication or diet were generally low quality and inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS Multiple strategies including effective engagement with indigenous communities and organisations will be required to reduce dog-bites and other incidents involving dog aggression. This review provides some evidence that legislated dog control strategies reduce dog bite rates. Available evidence suggests greater restrictions should be made for all dogs, rather than based on breed alone. Due to a burden of child injury, protection of children should be a focus of legislation and further investigations. Prevention strategies in children require redirection away from a focus on child-directed education and future research should investigate the effectiveness of engineering barriers and reporting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Shepherd
- Starship Children's Emergency Department, Starship Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Kool
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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5
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Daigle L, Delesalle L, Ravel A, Ford B, Aenishaenslin C. Occurrence and Risk Factors of Dog Bites in Northern Indigenous Communities: A Scoping Review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:777640. [PMID: 35518635 PMCID: PMC9064469 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.777640] [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: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between northern Indigenous people and dogs has evolved over the past years alongside events such as colonization, settlement, proliferation of snowmobiling and other socio-cultural and environmental changes. These changes have had negative impacts on this relationship, and with the endemic presence of arctic fox rabies, dog bites have become an important public health burden. The objective of this study was to synthesize the state of knowledge regarding the occurrence of dog bites and associated risk factors in the specific context of northern Indigenous communities. A scoping review was conducted in seven bibliographic databases, from June 2018 to May 2020. From this search, 257 original studies were identified and eight papers were included for final analysis. Annual occurrence of dog bites in northern Indigenous communities ranged from 0.61 to 59.6/10,000 inhabitants. Dog bites affected 27–62.9% of the population in those regions during their lifetime. Very few studies compared the occurrence of dog bites between people living in northern communities with other populations or settings, but available evidence suggests that Indigenous people living in northern communities are at higher risk of dog bites than the rest of the population. Several individual and environmental risk factors were identified in the selected studies, although the strength of evidence varied significantly. Age (children) and gender (male) were well documented individual risk factors. Other factors, such as organizational barriers to dog management and lack of access to veterinary services, were identified and discussed by several authors. The results of this study support concerns about the higher risk of bites in northern Indigenous communities, and underscore the urgent need for more research into the contextual and environmental factors that impact the mitigation of these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Daigle
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Léa Delesalle
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - André Ravel
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | | | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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6
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Delesalle L, Sadoine ML, Mediouni S, Denis-Robichaud J, Zinszer K, Zarowsky C, Aenishaenslin C, Carabin H. How are large-scale One Health initiatives targeting infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance evaluated? A scoping review. One Health 2022; 14:100380. [PMID: 35386427 PMCID: PMC8978269 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While One Health initiatives are gaining in popularity, it is unclear if and how they are evaluated when implementation at scale is intended. The main purpose of this scoping review was to describe how One Health initiatives targeting infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance at a large scale are evaluated. Secondary objectives included identifying the main facilitators and barriers to the implementation and success of these initiatives, and how their impacts were assessed. Twenty-three studies evaluating One Health initiatives were eligible. Most studies included the human (n = 22) and animal (n = 15) sectors; only four included the environment sector. The types of evaluated initiative (non-exclusive) included governance (n = 5), knowledge (n = 6), protection (n = 17), promotion (n = 16), prevention (n = 9), care (n = 8), advocacy (n = 10) and capacity (n = 10). Studies used normative (n = 4) and evaluative (n = 20) approaches to assess the One Health initiatives, the latter including impact (n = 19), implementation (n = 8), and performance (n = 7) analyses. Structural and economic, social, political, communication and coordination-related factors, as well as ontological factors, were identified as both facilitators and barriers for successful One Health initiatives. These results identified a wide range of evaluation methods and indicators used to demonstrate One Health's added values, strengths, and limitations: the inherent complexity of the One Health approach leads to the use of multiple types of evaluation. The strengths and remaining gaps in the evaluation of such initiative highlight the relevance of comprehensive, mixed-method, context-sensitive evaluation frameworks to inform and support the implementation of One Health initiatives by stakeholders in different governance settings. Studies evaluating One Health initiatives were scarce. Only One Health initiatives related to infectious diseases were evaluated. Evaluations were mainly conducted using quantitative approaches. Involvement of the community was identified as a major facilitator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Delesalle
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), St-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Margaux L. Sadoine
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
| | - Sarah Mediouni
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), St-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | | | - Kate Zinszer
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
| | - Christina Zarowsky
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), St-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), St-Hyacinthe, Canada
- Corresponding author at: Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe J2S 2M2, Québec, Canada.
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7
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Perez Arredondo AM, Yasobant S, Bruchhausen W, Bender K, Falkenberg T. Intersectoral collaboration shaping One Health in the policy agenda: A comparative analysis of Ghana and India. One Health 2021; 13:100272. [PMID: 34136629 PMCID: PMC8182263 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intersectoral collaborations are an integral component of the prevention and control of diseases in a complex health system. On the one hand, One Health (OH) is promoting the establishment of intersectoral collaborations for prevention at the human-animal-environment interface. On the other hand, operationalising OH can only be realized through intersectoral collaborations. This work contributes to broadening the knowledge of the process for operationalising OH by analysing the governance structures behind different initiatives that tackle health problems at the human-animal-environment interface. The cases taken as examples for the analysis are the control and response to rabies and avian influenza under “classical OH”, and the management of floods and droughts for insights into “extended OH”. Data from Ghana and India were collected and compared to identify the key elements that enable ISC for OH. Despite the case studies being heterogeneous in terms of their geographic, economic, social, cultural, and historical contexts, strong similarities were identified on how intersectoral collaborations in OH were initiated, managed, and taken to scale. The actions documented for rabies prevention and control were historically based on one sector being the leader and implementer of activities, while avian influenza management relied more on intersectoral collaborations with clearly defined sectoral responsibilities. The management of the impact of flood and droughts on health provided a good example of intersectoral collaborations achieved by sectoral integration; however, the human health component was only involved in the response stage in the case of Ghana, while for India, there were broader schemes of intersectoral collaborations for prevention, adaptation, and response concerning climate change and disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Perez Arredondo
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Germany.,International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) of the University of Applied Science Bonn Rhein-Sieg (HBRS), Germany
| | - Sandul Yasobant
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany.,Global Health, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Walter Bruchhausen
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany.,Global Health, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Katja Bender
- International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) of the University of Applied Science Bonn Rhein-Sieg (HBRS), Germany
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany.,GeoHealth Centre, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
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8
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Belsare A, Vanak AT. Modelling the challenges of managing free-ranging dog populations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18874. [PMID: 33139803 PMCID: PMC7608676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging domestic dogs (FRD) are not only vectors of zoonoses of public health concern, but also pose direct threats to humans, livestock, and endangered wildlife. Many developing countries have struggled to control FRD, despite using both lethal and non-lethal methods. India has amongst the highest FRD populations globally and the highest incidences of dog-mediated human rabies, but only deploys Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) for FRD control as a humane alternative to lethal methods, without evidence of it working successfully. Here, we use an agent-based dog population dynamics model to examine the time, effort, financial resources, and conditions needed to successfully control FRD in a typical urban setting. We simulate several scenarios, from an "ideal world" closed population with easily accessible dogs, to a more realistic open population with heterogeneity in catchability of dogs. In only one "best-case" scenario, CNVR resulted in a significant and lasting reduction in FRD, but with vaccination rates peaking only at 35%, which is half the WHO-recommended coverage. The customisable and portable modelling tool that we have developed allows managers to simulate real world processes and understand the expected effort needed to reduce regional dog populations, and assess methods for achieving effective anti-rabies vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Belsare
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Boone and Crockett Quantitative Wildlife Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- OneHealth Working Group, Center for Modeling Complex Interactions, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Abi Tamim Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, India.
- DBT/ Wellcome Trust, India Alliance Program (Clinical and Public Health Fellowship), Hyderabad, India.
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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9
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Rabies as a Public Health Concern in India-A Historical Perspective. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5040162. [PMID: 33096767 PMCID: PMC7709690 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5040162] [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: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
India bears the highest burden of global dog-mediated human rabies deaths. Despite this, rabies is not notifiable in India and continues to be underprioritised in public health discussions. This review examines the historical treatment of rabies in British India, a disease which has received relatively less attention in the literature on Indian medical history. Human and animal rabies was widespread in British India, and treatment of bite victims imposed a major financial burden on the colonial Government of India. It subsequently became a driver of Pasteurism in India and globally and a key component of British colonial scientific enterprise. Efforts to combat rabies led to the establishment of a wide network of research institutes in India and important breakthroughs in development of rabies vaccines. As a result of these efforts, rabies no longer posed a significant threat to the British, and it declined in administrative and public health priorities in India towards the end of colonial rule—a decline that has yet to be reversed in modern-day India. The review also highlights features of the administrative, scientific and societal approaches to dealing with this disease in British India that persist to this day.
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10
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Larkins AJ, Reece JF, Shaw APM, Thrusfield MV. An economic case study of the control of dog-mediated rabies by an animal welfare organisation in Jaipur, India. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105120. [PMID: 32890917 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105120] [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: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A global strategic plan for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 was announced in 2018. The cost-effectiveness of annual mass dog vaccination programmes, as a control and elimination method, has been advocated on many occasions. Complementary methods, such as animal birth control (ABC) activities, have received less attention. This paper provides a case-study of a programme operated by Help in Suffering (HIS) in Jaipur, India from 1994/95 until 2016/17 comprising both ABC and additional vaccination-only activities. The availability of cost data alongside information on dog numbers, dog bites and human rabies cases provided an exceptionally detailed and unique retrospective dataset recording actual events and expenditures. Updated to 2016/17 prices, the total cost of the programme was 658,744 USD. Since 2007/2008, activity costs have been separated and returned costs of 10.78 USD per dog, both sterilised and vaccinated, and 1.86 USD per dog, vaccinated only. Over the course of the programme, the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to premature death and the distress associated with dog bites was estimated to be 36,246 fewer than would have been expected if HIS had not been operating, based on a counterfactual scenario using pre-intervention values. Linking the DALY figure to the cost of the activities undertaken by HIS yields a cost of 26 USD per DALY averted. Discounted at 3%, the DALYs averted equate to 16,587 at a cost of 40 USD per DALY averted. Both cases make it a very cost-effective intervention, in relation to the threshold of investing one year's gross domestic product (GDP) per DALY averted (1981 USD in 2016/17). The monetary benefit from fewer dog bites and clinical human rabies cases requiring treatment amounted to 5.62 million USD after discounting, which, if attributed to Help in Suffering, yields a monetary benefit-cost ratio of 8.5. Thus, the potential monetary benefits greatly outweigh the programme costs, even without considering the DALYs averted. If a modest notional monetary value of one year's GDP is assigned to represent the human capital or production value of DALYs averted, the discounted societal economic benefit reaches 38.48 million USD and implies a benefit-cost ratio of 58.4. These economic analyses demonstrate that ABC activities in combination with additional vaccination efforts can be a cost-effective control measure for dog-mediated human rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Larkins
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 20 Gregory St, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia.
| | - J F Reece
- Help in Suffering, Maharani Farm, Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302018, India
| | - A P M Shaw
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9TB, United Kingdom; AP Consultants, 22 Walworth Enterprise Centre, Andover, SP10 5AP, United Kingdom
| | - M V Thrusfield
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
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11
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Collinson A, Bennett M, Brennan ML, Dean RS, Stavisky J. Evaluating the role of surgical sterilisation in canine rabies control: A systematic review of impact and outcomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008497. [PMID: 32845886 PMCID: PMC7449413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Current recommendations for the elimination of canine-mediated human rabies focus on mass dog vaccination as the most feasible and cost-effective strategy. However, attempts to control rabies are often combined with canine surgical sterilisation programmes. The added value of sterilisation is widely debated. A systematic review was undertaken to compare the outcomes and impact of vaccination and sterilisation programmes with vaccination only programmes. A systematic search of three electronic databases (CAB Abstracts, Medline and Global Health) and grey literature was performed. From 8696 abstracts found, 5554 unique studies were identified, and 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight described vaccination only programmes and eight described vaccination and sterilisation programmes. Indicators of impact measured were dog bites and/or doses of post-exposure prophylaxis administered; numbers of dog and/or human rabies cases; dog population demographic changes; changes in health and welfare of dogs, and indicators related to human behaviour change. The studies were contextually very diverse, programmes being implemented were complex, and there was variation in measurement and reporting of key indicators. Therefore, it was difficult to compare the two types of intervention, and impossible to make an evaluation of the role of sterilisation, using this evidence. Given the large number of vaccination and sterilisation programmes conducted globally, the lack of studies available for review highlights a gap in data collection or reporting, essential for impact assessment. There are several knowledge gaps concerning the impact of the sterilisation component alone, as well as subsequent effects on rabies transmission and control. Prospective studies comparing the outcomes and impact of the two interventions would be required in order to establish any additional contribution of sterilisation, as well as the underlying mechanisms driving any changes. In the absence of such evidence, the priority for rabies control objectives should be implementation of mass vaccination, as currently recommended by the World Health Organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abi Collinson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Marnie L. Brennan
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jenny Stavisky
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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Alam AN, Siddiqua M, Casal J. Knowledge and attitudes about rabies in dog-bite victims in Bangladesh. One Health 2020; 9:100126. [PMID: 32258350 PMCID: PMC7113428 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is an important zoonotic disease that causes several thousand deaths in Asian countries. Bangladesh launched an elimination programme in 2010 based on the mass vaccination of dogs, management of dog bites, application of post-exposure prophylaxis and communication and social mobilization. The aim of this study is to ascertain the behaviour of and knowledge about dog-bite victims. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 885 dog-bite victims who presented themselves for post-exposure rabies vaccination to six randomly selected vaccination centers, in addition to a tertiary-level hospital in Bangladesh. Most dog-bite victims were male (70%) and with very low or no education qualifications (75%). Respondents' knowledge of rabies was low: 58% were unaware of the consequences of a dog bite and 52% did not know about any indication of rabies. Most knew that rabies in humans can be prevented after dog bites, but up to 70% did not give a correct answer for other questions related to the prevention and treatment of rabies. Knowledge and attitudes about rabies is closely related to level of education. Finally, 58 of those surveyed (6.4%) did not complete the post-exposure prophylaxis correctly. In conclusion, knowledge about rabies among Bangladeshi citizens is low. An intensive plan to inform and educate people about dog bites, the risk of rabies and measures to adopt for preventing the disease should be implemented in order to reduce risk, including the need to complete post-exposure treatment. Knowledge about rabies in victims of dog bites in Bangladesh was low (58% were unaware of the consequences of a dog bite). Up to 70% of bite victims did not give a correct answer to some questions related to prevention and treatment of rabies. A small but significant proportion of dog-bite victims (6.4%) did not complete the Post-Exposure prophylaxis correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jordi Casal
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
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Srinivasan K, Kurz T, Kuttuva P, Pearson C. Reorienting rabies research and practice: Lessons from India. PALGRAVE COMMUNICATIONS 2019; 5:152. [PMID: 32850132 PMCID: PMC7115975 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-019-0358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we reflect on the institutional and everyday realities of people-street dog relations in India to develop a case for decolonised approaches to rabies and other zoonoses. Dog-mediated rabies in Asia and Africa continues be a major concern in transnational public health agendas despite extensive research and knowledge on its prevention. In India, which carries 35% of the global rabies burden and has large street dog populations, One Health-oriented dog population management programmes have been central to the control of this zoonotic disease. Yet, rabies continues to be a significant problem in the country. In this article, we address this impasse in rabies research and practice through investigations of interactions between people, policy, and street dogs. Drawing primarily on field and archival research in Chennai city, we track how street dogs are perceived by people, explore how these animals have come into interface with (public) health concerns over time, and examine the biosocial conditions that frame people-dog conflict (and thereby rabies). These analyses create a picture of the multidimensional character of people-dog relations to offer new insights on why One Health-oriented rabies initiatives have not borne out their full promise. In effect, the article makes a case for a shift in public health orientations-away from intervening on these animals as vectors to be managed, and towards enabling multispecies habitats. This, we argue, requires the decolonisation of approaches to dog-mediated rabies, and expanded conceptions of 'healthy more-than-human publics'. In conclusion, the article chalks out broader implications for public health approaches to zoonoses in a world marked by mutual risk and vulnerability that cuts across human and nonhuman animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Kurz
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chris Pearson
- Department of History, University of Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
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Masiira B, Makumbi I, Matovu JKB, Ario AR, Nabukenya I, Kihembo C, Kaharuza F, Musenero M, Mbonye A. Long term trends and spatial distribution of animal bite injuries and deaths due to human rabies infection in Uganda, 2001-2015. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198568. [PMID: 30130364 PMCID: PMC6103508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of accurate data on trends and the burden of human rabies infection in developing countries, animal bite injuries provide useful information to bridge that gap. Rabies is one of the most deadly infectious diseases, with a case fatality rate approaching 100%. Despite availability of effective prevention and control strategies, rabies still kills 50,000 to 60,000 people worldwide annually, the majority of whom are in the developing world. We describe trends and geographical distribution of animal bite injuries (a proxy of potential exposure to rabies) and deaths due to suspected human rabies in Uganda from 2001 to 2015. METHODS We used 2001-2015 surveillance data on suspected animal bite injuries, collected from health facilities in Uganda. To describe annual trends, line graphs were used and linear regression tested significance of observed trends at P<0.05. We used maps to describe geographical distribution of animal bites by district. RESULTS A total of 208,720 cases of animal bite injuries were reported. Of these, 27% were in Central, 22% in Eastern, 27% in Northern and 23% in Western regions. Out of 48,720 animal bites between 2013 and 2015, 59% were suffered by males and 81% were persons aged above 5 years. Between 2001 and 2015, the overall incidence (per 100,000 population) of animal bites was 58 in Uganda, 76 in Northern, 58 in Central, 53 in Western and 50 in Eastern region. From 2001 to 2015, the annual incidence (per 100,000 population) increased from 21 to 47 (P = 0.02) in Central, 27 to 34 (P = 0.04) in Eastern, 23 to 70 (P = 0.01) in Northern and 16 to 46 (P = 0.001) in Western region. A total of 486 suspected human rabies deaths were reported, of which 29% were reported from Eastern, 28% from Central, 27% from Northern and 17% from Western region. CONCLUSION Animal bite injuries, a potential exposure to rabies infection, and mortality attributed to rabies infection are public health challenges affecting all regions of Uganda. Eliminating rabies requires strengthening of rabies prevention and control strategies at all levels of the health sector. These strategies should utilize the "One Health" approach with strategic focus on strengthening rabies surveillance, controlling rabies in dogs and ensuring availability of post exposure prophylaxis at lower health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Masiira
- Department of National Disease Control, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Issa Makumbi
- Department of National Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph K. B. Matovu
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere School of Public Health, Department of Disease Control and Environment, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Department of National Disease Control, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Immaculate Nabukenya
- Department of National Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christine Kihembo
- Department of National Disease Control, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Frank Kaharuza
- Programs Department, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Musenero
- Department of National Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anthony Mbonye
- Department of Community Health, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
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