Rabies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa - where are we going wrong?

• Main Authors: S.J. Van Sittert, J. Raath, G.W. Akol, J.M. Miyen, B. Mlahlwa, C.T. Sabeta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2010-05-01
• Series: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
• Subjects: dog; Eastern Cape; ecology; lyssavirus; rabies; seroconversion; South Africa; Transkei; vaccination
• Online Access: https://jsava.co.za/index.php/jsava/article/view/149

Rabies is a growing problem in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study investigated dog ecology, vaccination coverage and rabies neutralising antibody levels in 203 randomly selected dogs within a local municipality in the former Transkei area. Responses to vaccination were also evaluated in 80 of these dogs. The population was remarkably uniform in size, breed and condition. Slightly over 1/5th of the population was between 6 weeks and 1 year of age, while very few dogs reached 10 years or older. According to owner responses, the Animal Health Technicians achieved a total vaccination coverage of 65 % of owned dogs over several years, but only 56 % within the previous 12 months. Only 32%of dogs had adequate circulating rabies virus neutralisation antibodies (≥0.5IU/ℓ). After vaccination, 83 % had seroconverted to this level. The magnitude of seroconversion was independent of body condition or age. This study proposes a different approach to vaccination strategies than those currently employed in certain areas of the province.