Study on epidemiological trends of canine rabies between 2011 and 2014 in Chennai city, South India

摘要

The objective of present study was to identify various epidemiological factors associated with canine rabies in Chennai city. Data were collected from a total of 169 canine rabies suspected cases which included, retrospective data of 102 (September 2011 to March 2013) and prospective data of 67 that were collected from Under Observation for Rabies (UOR) ward, Teaching Hospital, Madras Veterinary College. The data compiled over 3 years from 169 suspected canine rabid animals were analyzed based on Seller's staining, of which 125 dogs (91.2%) tested positive. Rabies positives were encountered at a higher level in non-descript dogs (77.6%) and males comprised a. larger number of rabies positives (57.6%) with susceptible age group of 1 to 3 years. Greater incidence was reported in the month of February, May and October. Age, breed and sex had no significant effect on the occurrence of rabies in animals. Canine rabies appears to be concentrated around North and Central Chennai compared to other parts of Chennai, hence people in these areas may be considered to be at a higher risk for dog bites: Owned Non-descript dogs attributed to the higher incidence. Hence, educating owners about rabies vaccination is needed because they are closer source of rabies to human than stray dogs.