Rabies virus in slaughtered dogs for meat consumption in Ghana: A potential risk for rabies transmission

Abstract

Dog‐mediated rabies is responsible for approximately 60,000 human deaths annually worldwide. Although dog slaughter for human consumption and its potential risk for rabies transmission has been reported, mainly in some parts of Western Africa and South‐East Asia, more information on this and factors that influence dog meat consumption is required for a better understanding from places like Ghana where the practice is common. We tested 144 brain tissues from apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption for the presence of rabies viruses using a Lyssavirus‐specific real‐Time RT‐PCR. Positive samples were confirmed by virus genome sequencing. We also administered questionnaires to 541 dog owners from three regions in Ghana and evaluated factors that could influence dog meat consumption. We interacted with butchers and observed slaughtering and meat preparation procedures. Three out of 144 (2.1%) brain tissues from apparently healthy dogs tested positive for rabies virus RNA. Two of the viruses with complete genomes were distinct from one another, but both belonged to the Africa 2 lineage. The third virus with a partial genome fragment had high sequence identity to the other two and also belonged to the Africa 2 lineage. Almost half of the study participants practiced dog consumption [49% (265/541)]. Males were almost twice (cOR = 1.72, 95% CI (1.17–2.52), p‐value = .006) as likely to consume dog meat compared to females. Likewise, the Frafra tribe from northern Ghana [cOR = 825.1, 95% CI (185.3–3672.9), p‐value < .0001] and those with non‐specific tribes [cOR = 47.05, 95% CI (10.18–217.41), p‐value < .0001] presented with higher odds of dog consumption compared to Ewes. The butchers used bare hands in meat preparation. This study demonstrates the presence of rabies virus RNA in apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Ghana and suggests a potential risk for rabies transmission. Veterinary departments and local assemblies are recommended to monitor and regulate this practice.

Ecological and Socioeconomic Factors in the Occurrence of Rabies: A Forgotten Scenario

“…Dog meat consumption as a delicacy is popular among several tribes in western Africa, particularly in Ghana [ 47 ] and Nigeria [ 48 ], which increases the risk of people contracting rabies. In a similar vein, research in Nigeria found rabies antigens in the brain of dogs slaughtered for human consumption [ 46 ]. The belief of being protected from rabies and evil spirits, the medicinal value, and the taste of its meat all contribute to the consumption of dog meat.…”

“…The spread of rabies and the effect of dog slaughter, handling, and ingestion are poorly known. Nonetheless, while not being present in meat or blood, exposure to cuts and wounds during slaughter and canine meat processing to saliva or brain tissues may represent a high danger [ 46 ]. Dog meat consumption as a delicacy is popular among several tribes in western Africa, particularly in Ghana [ 47 ] and Nigeria [ 48 ], which increases the risk of people contracting rabies.…”

“…Rabies has been transmitted to humans and has resulted in human mortality in parts of the world where there is a dearth of diagnostic facilities and where superstitious beliefs about animals play a role [ 35 ]. There is also the possibility of infection from dog meat due to the exposure of cuts and scrapes during processing to the dog’s saliva and brain [ 46 ].…”

Spatio‐temporal investigation of reported cases of animal rabies in Ghana from 2010 to 2017

“…Several studies have reported on rabies in Ghana. These include epidemiology and control measures (Addy, 1985; Alonge & Abu, 1984; Belcher et al., 1976; Lopes et al., 2018); surveillance systems (Afakye et al., 2016; Guri et al., 2020); human rabies outbreaks (Amoako et al., 2021; Apanga et al., 2016; Dsane‐Aidoo et al., 2022; Laryea et al., 2017; Punguyire et al., 2017); dog bites and rabies (Abuh et al., 2017; Addai & Nuertey, 2018; Adomako et al., 2018; Dsane‐Aidoo et al., 2022; Eliezer, 2016; Kenu et al., 2018; Korash & Ameme, 2017; Punguyire et al., 2017, 2020); dog population structure (Tasiame et al., 2019); dog‐associated pig rabies (Tasiame et al., 2016); rabies virus in dogs slaughtered for meat consumption (Tasiame et al., 2021); knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, practices and beliefs (Awuni et al., 2019; Tettey, 1998; Turkson & Wi‐Afedzi, 2020; Vetsi et al., 2021) and lineage of rabies virus in Ghana (Hayman et al., 2011). However, no studies have reported on the space–time pattern of the disease countrywide on a national level.…”

Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs From Central China

“…Therefore, T. gondii infection in dogs can be an indicator for the level of environmental contamination for humans ( Meireles et al., 2004 ). Additionally, because dog meat serves as food for humans in some regions ( Cui and Wang, 2001 ; Chevalier et al., 2021 ; Tasiame et al., 2021 ), consumption of undercooked dog meat containing T. gondii cysts also poses a health risk.…”