A Fifteen-Year Retrospective Study Of The Prevalence Of Rabies In Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Records of rabies cases from the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State for fifteen years (1987-2001) were analyzed for trend of exposure. A total of 44 cases of rabies were recorded. Sixty two animals from various species were involved in clinical form of rabies. Out of these, 58 (93.6%) were dogs, 3 (4.8%) sheep, and 1 (1.6%) cow. Fifty seven (98.2%) of the dogs that came down with clinical rabies were adults and 1 (1.8%) was a three-month old puppy. Furthermore, out of the 58 dogs, 43 (74.1%) were stray (free-roaming or ownerless) dogs. Ninety two persons were exposed to rabies by rabid dogs with 5.4% mortality, according to medical reports. The low mortality is due to some precautionary measures taken by some of the victims such as washing of the bite site and medical attention given to them. In addition, 59 animals of different species were also exposed to rabies by dogs. The animals exposed consisted of dogs 18 (30.5%), sheep 17 (28.8%), pigs 13 (22.0%), cattle 8 (13.6%), horses 2 (3.4%) and chicken 1 (1.7%). The study revealed that there were significantly higher cases of rabies during the months of July, August and September. Out of the 20 LGAs of the state, only 13 were affected by rabies within the study period. Ningi and Dass LGAs had the highest number of cases recorded. All the recorded cases are of great public health importance particularly considering the 5.4% human mortality due to rabies observed in the study. In conclusion, mass vaccination, control of stray dogs and public education are recommended as the best way to prevent and control rabies in Bauchi State. Keywords: Rabies, Cases, Retrospective Study, Bauchi StateNigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 28 (2) 2007 pp. 18-23