| dc.description.abstract | Rabies is a zoonotic, rapidly progressive, fatal virus which targets the central nervous system and is mainly transmitted by bites and scratches from domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) acting as the main reservoir of disease. Not only dogs and humans play a role in the dynamics of rabies, it is also known as a disease that is of conservation interest. Wild carnivore populations have been affected by rabies virus over the past 20 years. The design and success of long-term rabies control programs aimed at domestic dogs in developing countries may be affected by many factors such as high density populations and high turnover rates.
The objective of this study was to collect data through a household-level census in three rural communities in the sub-district of Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, bordering a large privately-owned conservation area. With this data we aim to assess rabies-vaccination coverage and other factors that might influence the success of the on-going vaccination campaign in the study areas. A descriptive analysis of household characteristics, dog demographics, and contraception demand was performed.
A total of 1086 households were interviewed representing a total of 5115 persons and 413 dogs. Dog densities were found to be 169 dogs/km2, 128 dogs/km2, and 133 dogs/km2. We found that the dog:human ratio is 1:11 and 1:15 in the three studied communities. Of all the households included in this study 227 (21%) were DOHH and 863 (79%) of them NOHH.
More than 60% of the dogs were found to be free roaming in all three communities. The dog populations were comprised principally of adults (>1 year of age) which made up 52 - 69% of the dog populations in the three communities. The sex ratio of the dog population in all three communities is skewed towards males. The average number of litters in the past twelve months ranged from 1,0-1,3 litter(s), the mean size of the litter was 5,0-5,2 pups and the mortality in the first week after birth 0-45,9%. Neutered dogs (<12%) are not a common finding in any of the three communities. Owners were willing to pay an average of $8 for the 2-year contraception injection.
The vaccination coverage range in each of the three communities was 48.6%-57.3%, 68.7%-77.4% and 53.3%-77.8%. We did not detect any significance between confinement characteristics and the vaccination status of dogs in the three communities. Our results show that over 85% of dogs in all three communities were vaccinated during a vaccination campaign where house-to-house visits were carried out.
Veterinarians, medical practitioners, and health authorities have the responsibility to apply intersectoral collaboration under the motto of ‘One Health’. We need to strive for a high level of risk perception among dog owners and an increased belief in the benefits of vaccination through public education activities. Proactive and sustainable vaccination programs in the Western World have proven their efficacy in the eradication of domestic dog rabies; this should provide a motivation and a model for South Africa in the fight against rabies. | |
