title: Seroepidemiological survey of rabies virus antibodies in non-vaccinated dogs in Nsukka Environs, Nigeria.
abstract: Serum samples from 254 non-vaccinated and apparently healthy dogs of local breeds in Nsukka environs (Nigeria) were examined for the presence of antibodies to rabies virus by haemagglutination-inhibition technique. The prevalence rates of rabies antibodies in less than 3 months, 3-6 months and over 6 months old dogs were 17.5, 7.3 and 22.8 per cent, respectively, and overall 16.1 per cent in the dog population. This is the first documented report of rabies antibodies in non-vaccinated dogs in Eastern Nigeria. The results have been discussed with respect to the epidemiology of prototype rabies and rabies-related viruses. It is suggested that the antibodies are most probably due to the non-virulent prototype rabies or rabies-related virus strains. Presence of 83.9 per cent of susceptible dogs in the population suggests mandatory and regular vaccination of all dogs in the interest of public health and control of the disease. The study highlights the need for more studies on epidemiology of rabies and rabies-related viruses in Nigeria.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
authors.forename: L O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Wosu
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Anyanwu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011820:Rabies virus / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral