title: Rabies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa--where are we going wrong?
abstract: 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 (> or = 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Eastern Cape Province, Veterinary Services-Animal Health (Emalahleni LM), Private Bag X7093, Queenstown 5320, South Africa. sybrandvs@yahoo.com
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: van Sittert
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raath
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Akol
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Miyen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mlahlwa
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Sabeta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D011819:Rabies Vaccines