Prevalence of Rabies Antigen in Brain Tissue of Dogs Slaughtered for Human Consumption and Evaluation of Vaccination of Dogs Against Rabies in Aba, Abia State Nigeria

Abstract

Dog meat processing constitutes a great public health risk to dog handlers and butchers who may be exposed to rabies infection. Routine prophylactic vaccination of dogs is recommended for effective control of urban rabies. A cross sectional study and descriptive epidemiology was designed to detect the presence of rabies antigen in brain tissues of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Aba, Abia state and to evaluate vaccination records at the Zonal Veterinary Clinic Aba. A total of 185 dog brains were tested for rabies antigen by direct fluorescent antibody technique, out of which 13 samples (7.0%) were positive for rabies antigen. A total of 39.5% of the samples tested were from male dogs. The rate of infection was higher in females (8.9%). Of the 12 individuals that were involved in the processing of dog meat, 8 (66.7%) had been bitten in the course of handling dogs in the last 12 months. Data obtained from clinic records between 2007 and 2012 showed that out of 3,169 dogs presented during the period, 42.7% received anti-rabies vaccination. The year 2007 had the highest vaccination rate (23.6%). About 58.2% of the dogs vaccinated were males with exotic breed having the highest vaccination rate (50.6%). Most of the dogs vaccinated (44.2%) were within the ages of 3-12 months. Seasonal index showed increase in vaccination rate during November and December. Dog meat processors may be exposed to rabies antigen during handling of dogs. Prevention of rabies among dog and human population requires adequate and well planned intervention through public health education and anti-rabies vaccination campaigns.