Evaluation of phenotypic factors for anti-rabies antibody in vaccinated pet dogs

The aims of this study were to investigate various factors associated with protective anti-rabies antibody status (0.5 EU/ml) in vaccinated pet dogs and anti-rabies antibody status in unvaccinated stray dogs. One hundred and seven serum samples were collected from vaccinated pet dogs, out of these 58 (62.36 %) dogs showed antibody titre above 0.5 EU/ml. All the dogs were divided into different groups based on age, sex, breed, vaccine brand and time of vaccination after last vaccine to assess the relationship of these factors with vaccinal immune response. One way analysis of variance was performed in graphpad prism software to check the effect of all these factors. Statistical analysis of ELISA titres of pet dog serum samples suggested that age, sex, breed and vaccine brands have no significant effect on the anti-rabies antibody titres. To check anti-rabies antibody status in stray dogs 53 serum samples were collected and only one out of 53 (1.88 %) stray dogs showed anti-rabies antibody titre above 0.5 EU/ml indicating susceptibility to rabies infection and thereby posing possible threat to surrounding human and animal populations.

Diagnostic assays developed for the control of foot-and-mouth disease in India

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of livestock, primarily affecting cattle, buffalo and pigs. FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia1 are prevalent in India and systematic efforts are on to control and eventually eradicate the disease from the country. FMD epidemiology is complex due to factors like co-circulation, extinction, emergence and re-emergence of genotypes/lineages within the three serotypes, animal movement, diverse farm practices and large number of susceptible livestock in the country. Systematic vaccination, prompt diagnosis, strict biosecurity measures, and regular monitoring of vaccinal immunity and surveillance of virus circulation are indispensible features for the effective implementation of the control measures. Availability of suitable companion diagnostic tests is very important in this endeavour. In this review, the diagnostic assays developed and validated in India and their contribution in FMD control programme is presented.