Rabies trends and surveillance capabilities in Zambia
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Veterinary Journal
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the trends, distribution and positivity rate of rabies
cases in Zambia. A retrospective study for the period of 10 years between 2004 and 2014, was
conducted by using rabies case reports. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and geo-
coded in Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) with the help of shape files. The geo-
referenced data were then used to map the trend and spatial distribution of the disease on maps in a
Geographical Information System (GIS) platform. The findings showed that 61.5% (462/751, 95%
CI=57.9- 65.0) of the samples were positive. Canines accounted for 81.6% (95%, CI=77.7- 85) of the
total positive samples followed by Bovines 9.1% (95%, CI= 6.7- 12.2). A mean monthly occurrence
of canine rabies was 2.9. The average provincial positivity rate was 0.7. Positivity rates equal to or
closer to one indicate poor surveillance; with rates equal to or closer to zero indicate good
surveillance. One on one in-depth interview was conducted with one officer from each of these
institutions i.e. The University of Zambia (UNZA), National Livestock and Epidemiological
Information Center (NALEIC) and Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) in order to
familiarize with the current rabies surveillance systems in Zambia. The findings were that; sample
submission is done by veterinarians and livestock officers and only UNZA and CVRI have capability
for rabies diagnosis with NALEIC as a data storage institution. Rabies is endemic in Zambia and the
dog is maintenance host for the disease in human and livestock populations. Therefore, controlling
rabies in dogs indirectly overcomes the problem in human and livestock.
Description
Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015; 30 (1): 21-32
Keywords
Zambia, Rabies, Endemic, Positivity rate, Surveillance