Rabies in a Set of Eight-Week Old Puppies in Nigeria: The Need for Review of Current Dog Antirabies Vaccination Schedule

Abstract

Background:Rabies is endemic in Nigeria with clinical cases reported mainly in dogs and occasionally in livestock from all the geo-ecological zones of the country. Detection of rabies virus antigen in puppies at the age of five to ten weeks and in apparently healthy dogs shedding the virus in their saliva have been reported in some parts of Nigeria.Material and Method:This report describes a clinical rabies in a set of eight weeks old puppies confirmed by antigen detection using the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT), the direct rapid immunohistochemical test (DRIT), and RT-PCR.Results:it was positive for all test used including the RT-PCR which amplified at 750 bp from the gel electrophoresis.Conclusion:Occurrence of rabies in puppies of this age, within which they are acquired and owned by other unsuspecting members of the public, is of grave public health consequences. People that love puppies, especially children, who are fond of carrying and playing with them, are also faced with the risk of exposure to rabies. Consequently, review of the existing dog antirabies vaccination schedule at twelve weeks of age in Nigeria, is recommended to ensure effective immunization of this age group of dogs and for the overall safety of the vulnerable members of the public.

Profiling the public health risk of canine rabies transmission in Kogi state, Nigeria

“…Theoretical and empirical studies have shown that inclusion of puppies in rabies vaccination campaigns is likely to result in substantial epidemiological and economic benefits ([ 8 ] [ 9 ]. Dogs less than 6 months are significantly important in rabies transmission to humans [ 18 , 19 ] and more likely to be accessible for parenteral vaccination than older dogs. Additionally, children are fond of puppies, thereby more predisposed to contracting rabies, should they be rabid.…”

Prioritization of zoonotic diseases of public health significance in Nigeria using the one-health approach

“…Articles without basic epi-data on animal and human cases and those reporting zoonotic events were excluded. Following the search, epi-data table was completed for each of the diseases covering incidences/prevalence and impacts [ [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] ] in humans and animals or both in Nigeria and neighboring West African countries ( Table 2 ).…”