Canine Rabies Outbreaks, Vaccination Coverage, and Transmission in Humans: Greater Accra Region, Ghana- A Retrospective Study-2006-2011

Abstract

Rabies is a highly fatal, viral, zoonotic disease caused by a Lyssa virus. It is acquired through the bite of an infected animal, mostly dogs. Estimated annual global human mortalities from rabies is 61,000, over 99% of which are from developing countries where about US$583.5 million is spent on its control. Rabies is enzootic in Ghana. Vaccinating about 70% of the dog population leads to a reduction in rabies transmission to humans; however, percentage dog anti-rabies vaccination coverage in Ghana is unknown. This study therefore investigated the magnitude of rabies in dogs and humans in the Greater-Accra region, and assessed annual percentage dog anti-rabies vaccination coverage from 2007-2011. Secondary data on rabies vaccination, post mortem and dog quarantine records for all ten districts in the region, and human rabies records were analysed. Means and percentages were calculated, graphs drawn and trends analysed. The number of animal samples which tested positive out of 309, was 283. Predictive value positive was 91.6%. Of the positive cases, 97.5% (276/283) had no previous vaccination history, and 96.1% (272/283) were from dogs. Fifty-five out of 174 (31.6%) samples were from dogs which bit more than one person. Human exposures to dog and other animal bites are not differentiated. Average annual number of outbreaks was 31, whereas percentage dog vaccination ranged from 10.26-17.56. Current annual percentage dog anti-rabies vaccination coverage is very low, whereas the incidence of dog rabies in the region is high. The number of humans affected may be underestimated. Government should immediately facilitate annual mass vaccination of pets.

Dog Owners’ Knowledge about Rabies and Other Factors That Influence Canine Anti-Rabies Vaccination in the Upper East Region of Ghana

“…Hence, the percentage rabies vaccination coverage found in this study, was woefully inadequate if rabies is to be controlled. Although there are no specific guidelines for dog vaccination against rabies in Ghana, according to Lopes et al, about 70% of the dog population in the country need to be vaccinated against rabies before a significant reduction in human rabies cases can be achieved [12]. However, the issue of low immunization of dogs against rabies is not peculiar to Ghana and specifically, the Upper East Region.…”

“…This is because although the Ghana government embarked on a campaign to vaccinate dogs against rabies across the country [11] the campaign was not sustained and has been stopped since 1994 due to lack of sustainable funding and support. Since then, individual dog owners are expected to use their personal income to vaccinate their dogs against rabies either by the government or private veterinary officers [12]. Although there is no documented standardized pricing for anti-rabies vaccination of dogs in Ghana, information from the veterinary division of the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that a shot of anti-rabies vaccine can cost up to $4 per dog.…”

“…This places huge financial burden on dog owners, especially in a country where 23.4% of the population live on less than $1 a day [13]. Hence, increased financial burden, coupled with the sporadic nature of anti-rabies vaccine and post exposure prophylaxis supply [12,14] has exacerbated the risk of potential rabies outbreak, therefore, the need for dog owners to be knowledgeable about rabies and the need to vaccinate dogs against rabies.…”

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.…”