Occurrence and Management of Suspected Rabies in Livestock Species Due to Dog Bites at Satkania Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Bangladesh and Madras Veterinary College Hospital, India

Abstract

The study was carried out to record all clinical cases of dog bites in different livestock species at two internship placements in India during October to November and Bangladesh during July to September 2012. The study aimed to determine the proportionate prevalence of suspected rabies in livestock species, frequency of observed clinical signs and the therapeutic management of dog bites. A structured record keeping sheet was used to obtain the necessary information. The prevalence of suspected rabies in cattle was 38% and 3.5% each in goat and horse respectively. The prevalence of rabies in non-vaccinated animal was 84.6%. Female cattle had higher suspected rabies cases (24.1%) than male cattle. 51.7% dog bites were managed by washing the biting site with alkaline soap followed by dressing the wound with either antiseptic or antibiotic powder. Postexposure vaccines were used in 24.1% cases. Strict adherence to vigorous wound washing and immediate medical evaluation after animal bites will prevent the development of Animal rabies. Veterinarians and animal control officers should handle potentially rabid animals with extreme caution.

Rabies Virus Infection in Livestock

“…In Peru, abortive rabies cases were reported, rabies virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in 11% of cattle in areas of vampire bats, no deaths were observed in those animals within two years [55]. The observed clinical signs of rabies in cattle in two localities in India and Bangladesh were aggression, mania, profuse salivation, frenzy, and restlessness [2].…”

“…The incidence of rabies in cattle is continuously reported worldwide. In India and Bangladesh, cattle were found to be the most affected domestic animals with rabies [2]. Cattle were the first most likely livestock tested positive for rabies in Mongolia [45].…”

“…In Nepal, goats were the fourth most affected species [48]. However, Uddin et al (2015) reported that goats showed a low level of rabies prevalence (0.5%) in Bangladesh.…”