Rabies. virus antigen in the brain of apparently healthy slaughtered dogs in Sokoto and Katsina States, Nigeria

Evaluation of Direct Rapid Immunohistochemistry Test for Rabies Diagnosis in the Brain of Slaughtered Dogs in Northern Nigeria

“…Previously, the incidence of rabies in suspected animal samples submitted to NVRI between 1991 and 2005 was reported to be 45.5% [19]. Despite the presence of rabies in the butchered dogs in the present study area, the percentage (0.64%) is very low compared to high percentages (between 6 and 42.2%) in butchered dogs reported by other researchers from various states in Northern Nigeria [16,19,20,21,22,23]. This low percentage in the present report may imply that there was low circulation of the rabies virus amongst the dog population in Niger State of Nigeria (the study area) from January to July, 2012.…”

“…In another report, two of the dogs, inoculated with a rabies virus strain from Ethiopia recovered from clinical rabies [27]. In other words, rabies carrier state or inapparent infection and the presence of rabies antigens and antibodies in apparently healthy dogs have been a subject of research in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world [16,20,21,22,23,28,29,30,31]. Additional research, however, is necessary to answer these questions.…”

“…Samples size was determined based the previous reported 28% prevalence of laboratory confirmed cases of rabies in apparently healthy slaughtered dogs from northwestern Nigeria [16] using the mathematical expression as described by Mahajan [17]. By the formula (n= Z 2 pq/d…”

Rabies Virus Neutralizing Antibodies in Unvaccinated Rabies Occupational Risk Groups in Niger State, Nigeria

“…The increased sourcing and slaughter of dogs for human consumption within and outside Niger State of Nigeria has been reported [12]. Presence of rabies antigen in the brains of some slaughtered dogs in Nigeria has also been documented [13,14,15]. The public health risk of presence of rabies antigens in slaughtered dogs is enormous, particularly on the occupational risk groups.…”

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.…”