Rabies and Dog Bites Cases in Lagos State Nigeria: A Prevalence and Retrospective Studies (2006-2011)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of rabies antigen in brain of dogs slaughtered for consumption and those that died in veterinary clinics as well as to obtain a 6-year retrospective data on dog bites/suspected dog rabies cases in Lagos State. Dog brain samples were collected from dog slaughter slabs and veterinary clinics (for dogs that died in clinics) across the Lagos state while data for retrospective studies (2006-2011) of dog bite/suspected rabies cases were collected from public (government owned) and private veterinary clinics across the state. Out of the 444 brain samples collected and tested for presence of rabies antigen using the direct fluorescent antibody technique (DFAT) only 7 (1.58%) were positive for the rabies antigen. A total of 196 dog bites/suspected rabies cases were encountered between January 2006 and December, 2011 in the veterinary clinics with adults been the major (55.61%) victims. Majority (96.43%) of the offending dogs were not quarantined at the time of bite and only one out of the quarantined dogs died and was confirmed positive for rabies antigen. The result of this study indicates that rabies antigen is present among dogs slaughtered in Lagos State and may pose a threat to public health. Though, available records showed that provocation of dogs was the major cause of dog bites and both children and adults fell victim of dog bites, there was a poor record keeping practice in the veterinary clinics across the state.

Molecular characterization of a rabies virus isolated from trade dogs in Plateau State, Nigeria

“…As a central state of Nigeria, Plateau State has flourishing commercial dog markets (captured stray dogs are sold), dogs from different states and other neighboring countries (Niger and Chad) are sold to traders from different states of Nigeria (Sabo et al, 2008). The occurrence of apparently healthy dogs with rabies virus in the brain tissues, yet not showing clinical signs of rabies may be more widespread than previously envisaged as rabies antigens were also found in the brain tissues of apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Borno, Benue, Plateau, Katsina and Sokoto, Kaduna, Cross River and Lagos State (Ajayi et al, 2006;Akombo, 2009;Sabo, 2009, Garba et al, 2010Odeh et al, 2013;Isek, 2013;Hambolu et al, 2013). The need to safe guard the health of the people by reducing the rabies risk of exposure warrants continued surveillance.…”

A Case of Rabies in One Month Old Kittens in South East Nigeria

“…They were of the opinion that majority of the offending dogs were not vaccinated against the disease, but if previously vaccinated, owners fail to revaccinate following expiration of previous vaccination. Hambolu et al [10] reported a decline and general inadequate vaccination of dogs in Lagos State, south-western Nigeria. This further points to the dangers dogs and humans in the community face.…”

“…Some workers have reported the problems of vaccine purity and immunogenic inadequacies in the vaccines circulated in Nigeria (Adeyemi et al [14]) and problems of vaccination booster by owners of dogs Hambolu et al [10]. Prevention is said to be cheaper and better than cure.…”

“…Hambolu et al [10] reported low vaccination compliance in south-Western Nigeria. He was of the opinion that dog owners do not consider the threat pose by unvaccinated dogs.…”

“…Recently, Mshelbwala et al [8], Mshelbwala et al [9] and Hambolu et al [10] have reported that the prevalence of the disease is still on the rise. The disease is caused by a virus of the family Rhabdoviridae and genus Lyssavirus , now called lyssa virus 1 (RABV gen1).…”