Aspects of rabies epidemiology in Tsumkwe District, Namibia

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Authors

Laurenson, K.
Esterhuysen, J.
Stander, P.
Van Heerden, J.

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Published by the Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute

Abstract

Aspects of rabies epidemiology were investigated in the Tsumkwe District, Namibia, during December 1993 and January 1994. A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey for rabies antibodies was carried out in domestic (n = 70) and wild dogs [Lycaon pictus (n = 6)]. An overall seroprevalence rate of 30 % was found in domestic dogs, but it must be borne in mind that seroconversion can result from infections from either rabies or rabies-related viruses. Older dogs were more likely to be seropositive and there was spatial and temporal clustering of seropositivity. No wild dogs were found seropositive. A demographic survey of the domestic-dog population in the area showed that the total dog-population size was 132, or 0,027 dogs per square km . The dog population consisted mainly of young dogs with a median age of 1 ,5 years, and had a female bias of 0,63 males per female. Questionnaire surveys suggested that spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) were the most common larger carnivores found in and around villages, and that dogs were kept mainly for guarding.

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Keywords

Veterinary medicine, Dogs, Epidemiology, Namibia, Rabies, Seropositive, Seroprevalence, Tsumkwe

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Citation

Laurenson, K, Esterhuysen, J, Stander, P & Van Heerden, J 1997, 'Aspects of rabies epidemiology in Tsumkwe District, Namibia’. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 39-45. .