Feasibility of canine oral rabies vaccination in Sri Lanka--a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
To test the feasibility of introducing oral rabies vaccine (vaccinia recombinant rabies glycoprotein) to improve domestic dog immunisation coverage in a selected area.


METHODS
A prospective field trial.


METHODS
Panadura, an area relatively isolated by waterways, making it a suitable field laboratory.


METHODS
A routine parenteral vaccination program was carried out. A house to house survey identified the residual non-vaccinated dogs in the selected area. Oral vaccine was offered to the non-vaccinated domestic dogs.


RESULTS
Of 4322 dogs in the households, 1242 dogs (28.7%) were eligible for oral vaccine. 659 (53%) were considered to have accepted the oral vaccine with release of the vaccine in the oral cavity.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to use oral rabies vaccine to enhance immunisation coverage.
Perera
M A
MA
Harischandra
P A
PA
Wimalaratne
O
O
Damboragama
S N
SN
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006078:Government Programs; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011818:Rabies / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D012449:Safety; D013188:Sri Lanka
D011819:Rabies Vaccines