Determinants of Canine Rabies in Morocco: How to Make Pertinent Deductions for Control?

Abstract

This case control study aims to highlight risk factors to contract canine rabies, taking into account several factors like geographical affiliation, sex, age, season, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the environment in which the canine population evolves. Design Case-control study at national level in Morocco included non-randomized comparison groups. This approach was chosen to address practical considerations and the data used correspond to a five years period. A group of 215 cases and 215 controls were needed for an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 and the sample size was calculated for a 1:1 match, with a power of 80% and a risk of the first species at 5% (95% confidence interval). Setting Data collection is retrospective and the collection of information on the exposure of cases and controls was conducted in the same way. Subjects Target population was the general canine population of Morocco. Criteria related to age group (puppies, young, adult) and gender (female, male) have been considered in the selection of the target population. Results The Moroccan rural context characterized by a lack of basic infrastructures (education, health) makes that there are practices and cultural habits that favor the endemicity of rabies in some regions. Thus, the disease is associated with the presence of rural slaughterhouses and animal markets and landfills which appears offering unlimited food sources for stray dogs and then indirectly promotes their reproduction accordingly. Conclusion These findings support advocacy efforts for strengthening a global prevention system. In addition, socio-ecological surveys should be carried out to build understanding in depth for a better adaptation of the ongoing prophylactic programs.

A Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Dog Rabies in Northeast Tunisia

“…No association was found between rabies and age groups and sex. Our findings suggest that dog rabies is prevalent in all age groups which is in line with previous studies in nearby countries (Khayli M et al 2019, Yahiaoui, F.Z et al 2018) and elsewhere in the world (Douangngeun B et al 2017). Similarly, dog rabies was not gender specific (Ma, X et al 2020, Medley AM et al 2017).…”

Temporal and spatial distributions of animal and human rabies cases during 2012 and 2018, in Tunisia

“…In contrast, the seasonality of rabies was demonstrated in several countries as in Peru (Lima district) (Malaga et al., 1979), Bhutan (South Asia) (Dhand & Ward, 2011) and even in neighbouring countries (Morocco and Algeria) (El Harrak, 2011; Khayli et al., 2019). Thus, the high number of dog rabies observed in a given season was explained by increased fighting between dogs during the breeding season, amplifying thus the risk of transmission of the disease (Yadav, 2012).…”

“…In contrast, the seasonality of rabies was demonstrated in several countries as in Peru (Lima district) (Malaga et al, 1979), Bhutan (South Asia) (Dhand & Ward, 2011) and even in neighbouring countries (Morocco and Algeria) (El Harrak, 2011;Khayli et al, 2019).…”

Using geostatistics to better understand the epidemiology of animal rabies in Morocco: what is the contribution of the predictive value?

“…In a previous study on animal rabies in Morocco, the dog's habitat and anthropogenic data were included as explanatory variables. The study found that suburban and rural habitats, public health management infrastructure (pounds, landfills, slaughterhouses, livestock markets), and road accessibility are determinant factors of rabies in Morocco [ 25 ]. This finding is supportive to the results of this study demonstrating the impact that human activities would have on the distribution of rabies in Morocco.…”

“…A recent study has shown that the suburb landscape is also starting to play a role in “recruiting” dog rabies cases, most likely because of the changes that begin to take place on the outskirts of cities [ 25 ]. The Suburb landscape becomes more « ruralized » due to cities's attractiveness (industrialization and rural exodus).…”