Rabies Cases Research Articles

Rabies Vaccination and Public Health Insights in the Extended Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Scoping Review.

This systematic scoping review examines rabies-related incidents, interventions, and post-exposure immunoprophylaxis in the Arabian Gulf region and Saudi Arabian Peninsula. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, WoS, MedLine, and Cochrane Library up to July 2024. Studies were included discussing the reported cases of rabies that received the PEP in all countries of the Arabian Gulf, their epidemiological data, the received schedules of vaccination, and their safety. The search was done by using the following terminologies: rabies vaccine, rabies human diploid cell vaccine, vaccine, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Southwest Asia, Iran, West Asia, Western Asia, Persian Gulf, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Ajam, Saudi Arabian Peninsula, and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The systematic scoping review included 36 studies, synthesizing findings from diverse research designs, including large-scale cross-sectional studies and case reports, spanning nearly three decades. Findings indicated that young males in urban areas are most at risk for animal bites, predominantly from domestic dogs and cats. While post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was generally administered within recommended timeframes, vaccination completion rates varied. The review highlighted gaps in public awareness about rabies risks and prevention. Vaccine safety profiles were generally favorable, with mostly mild-to-moderate side effects reported. The study underscores the need for enhanced public health education, standardized PEP protocols, and a One Health approach to rabies prevention.

First Report of Paralytic Rabies in a Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in Argentina.

As a significant zoonotic disease, rabies poses substantial economic challenges for the livestock sector, highlighting the need for effective wildlife monitoring as part of a One Health approach. This study documents the first case of paralytic rabies in a lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) at the Guaycolec Wildlife Station in Formosa, Argentina. The 12-year-old male tapir exhibited neurological symptoms, including limb paralysis and dysphagia, leading to its death. The rabies virus was confirmed through direct immunofluorescence, virus isolation in BHK-21 cells, and molecular diagnostics via real-time RT-PCR and conventional PCR. Antigenic variant 3, associated with Desmodus rotundus, was identified. Histopathological examination revealed non-suppurative encephalitis with lymphocytic perivascular cuffs, neuronal vacuolization, and acidophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the grey matter. This case underscores the importance of expanded surveillance for non-traditional hosts, as it demonstrates the potential for rabies transmission in changing environments. The findings highlight the need to maintain epidemiological surveillance systems at the wildlife-livestock-human interface and to develop targeted control strategies to mitigate the spread of rabies, particularly in areas where vampire bat populations are subject to anthropogenic pressures. Comprehensive monitoring and early detection are essential for effective rabies management in both wildlife and urban contexts.

Community knowledge, attitude, and practice, incidence of suspected cases, and epidemiological distribution of rabies in humans and animals in Southwest Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Rabies remains a major public and veterinary health problem in most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Despite its importance in public health, no systematic study has been conducted in the area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice and to estimate the incidence and spatial distribution of rabies in humans and animals in the Southwest Shewa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional and retrospective study designs were employed among 422 randomly selected informants potentially at risk of rabies. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study utilized retrospective data from individuals admitted for rabies between 2017 and 2021 to analyze and map the epidemiological distribution of the disease using ArcGIS. Furthermore, descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to analyze the data. This study revealed that the level of good knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practices toward rabies among the communities was 58.3, 47.9, and 54.2%, respectively. The proportion of respondents who own dogs (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.050-2.873, p = 0.032), live in urban areas (OR = 10.7, 95% CI: 1.106-103, p = 0.042), and have a higher degree of education (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.061-5.513, p = 0.036) were statistically significantly associated with good knowledge scores toward rabies. Private workers and urban residents were statistically associated with positive attitude scores on rabies (p < 0.05). Living in urban areas (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.596-5.407, p = 0.000) and Weliso district (OR = 10, 95% CI: 4.099-24.560, p = 0.000) had good prevention practice scores toward rabies. A total of 529 suspected rabies cases with an overall incidence of 44.9 cases per 100,000 population in humans and 127 suspected rabies cases with an overall incidence of 3.4 cases per 100,000 population in animals were registered from 2017 to 2021. The level of knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice toward rabies was found to be inadequate. Therefore, awareness creation programs and effective and well-organized prevention and control measures should be employed, with a special focus on identified risk factors, to reduce disease burdens through a One Health (OH) approach.

Features of the Epidemic and Epizootic Situation on Rabies in the Russian Federation in 2023 in Comparison with Long-Term Data

In the Russian Federation, a downward trend in animal rabies cases has been observed since 2008, and in human cases – since 2012. In 2023, the number of registered animal rabies cases (1082 ) was almost equal to the average indicator over the past 5 years (2019–2023, 1189.0±125 cases) and was 2 times lower than for the previous 13 years (2010–2022, 2442.2±312 cases), while the number of fatalities was 2 and 3 times lower than the average value (4.2±1.2 and 5.9±1.2 cases), respectively, for those periods. The aim of the work was to analyze rabies cases in humans and animals in the Russian Federation in 2023 relative to the average long-term data for 2010–2022, and to characterize the rates of population seeking medical care after injuries caused by animals. The identified cases of hydrophobia were registered in the Omsk Region and the Donetsk People’s Republic, and their causes were failure to seek medical care after an animal bite and violation of the procedure for providing medical care. Domestic animals were the sources of infection. Despite the isolated cases of rabies in humans detected annually, the risk of contracting the virus in the country remains ever-present. Rate of injuries from contact with animals in 2020–2022 slightly decreased compared to 2000–2019, but no significant decrease is expected in the future. In 2023, approximately 353 thousand people sought medical care after bites, drooling, and scratches by animals. In 67 % of the cases, the population was injured by dogs, of which 36 % of injuries were recorded in children. The leading role in the circulation of the pathogen in natural foci was retained by the fox. The proportion of dogs and cats predominated in the structure of sick animals.

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Dog-Mediated Rabies: Disparities in Incidence and Surveillance Effort in a Latin American City.

Dog-mediated human rabies is intuitively linked to poverty, but few studies have formally investigated the relationship between local socioeconomic disadvantage and dog rabies incidence. We leveraged a unique, high-spatial-resolution surveillance database from the rabies-endemic city of Arequipa, Peru to probe the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and dog rabies risk in 2015-2022. Rabies cases and samples were assigned to the SES level of their block or locality of origin, respectively. We tested the hypothesis that lower SES is associated with increased case positivity, and used a spatial statistical model to understand how sample positivity varied spatially. Rabies cases were concentrated in socioeconomically disadvantaged blocks ( p < 0·001), and sample positivity had a significant and positive association with neighborhood disadvantage ( p < 0·05 for all periods), suggesting that surveillance effort was low relative to case incidence in disadvantaged areas. Stratifying samples by those collected via active vs. passive surveillance revealed that active surveillance reduced disparities in surveillance effort and sample positivity. Spatial analysis identified a sample positivity hotspot in a socioeconomically disadvantaged region with low access to health facilities. Dog-mediated rabies is known to impact the poorest regions globally. We found similar patterns mirrored on a much smaller spatial scale - within a single city's limits. A balanced approach combining spatially-targeted ("active") and community-based ("passive") surveillance can help reduce rabies disparities. Mass dog vaccination and surveillance programs could target disadvantaged neighborhoods to decrease inequities in rabies risk to human populations and more effectively control dog rabies epidemics.

Canine rabies vaccination, surveillance and public awareness programme in Beijing, China, 2014-2024.

To evaluate the operation and outcomes of an integrated dog-mediated rabies elimination programme in the Beijing municipality, China. Beginning in 2014, the Beijing Animal Disease Control Center launched a dog-mediated rabies elimination programme in collaboration with local government and nongovernmental organizations. The programme involved: (i)a compulsory canine rabies vaccination campaign; (ii)rabies surveillance of local dog populations; (iii)educational rabies awareness programmes in public areas and schools; and (iv)the establishment of an online service platform to strengthen communications on rabies with the public. By 2023, 664 canine rabies vaccination sites had been established in the Beijing municipality, which comprises seven urban districts and nine districts with rural areas. The proportion of dogs with rabies antibodies increased from 64.7% (1115/1723) in 2014, before the programme, to 86.4% (1481/1715) in 2017 and stayed around 80% in subsequent years. In 2022, for the first time, no rabies was reported in dogs that injured people. Concurrently, the annual number of reported human rabies cases dropped from 11 in 2015 to zero in 2021, with no subsequent cases reported up until the third quarter of 2024. The rabies elimination programme met the goal of eliminating human rabies infections in the Beijing municipality and demonstrated that dog-mediated rabies elimination is achievable at the provincial level. The experience gained could serve as a practical guide for dog-mediated rabies control in both urban and rural areas of China and in other countries facing similar challenges.

Epidemiology of wild animal rabies in Namibia from 2001 to 2019: implications for controlling the infection in domestic animals

BackgroundRabies is an acute, fatal zoonosis of mammals that is endemic in Namibia. Wild animals have been implicated as reservoirs of the infection around the world. In this retrospective study, passive surveillance data (2001–2019) for wild animal rabies in Namibia were retrieved from the Directorate of Veterinary Services and analysed. The number, spatiotemporal epidemiology, and clinical presentation of rabies cases were assessed and compared among animal species, land use systems and regions.ResultsThe overall positive rate was 64.8% (1059/1635). Rabies infected 33 out of 52 wild animal species tested. The majority of cases were in Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) (71.3%, n = 755/1059), followed by the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) (17.1%, 181/1059), eland (Taurotragus oryx) (5.1%, 54/1059), and 30 other wild animal species with low infection rates. Most positive cases (72.8%, 771/1059), and infected wild animal species (n = 26) were from commercial farms. Rabies cases were clustered in the central-western regions of the country (Otjozondjupa, n = 373; Khomas, n = 210; Erongo, n = 123; Omaheke, n = 105; and Kunene, n = 154). Local Moran analysis revealed that the Otjozondjupa region was a significant high-risk cluster of rabies (p = 0.0096). The global Moran’s I analysis by Monte Carlo permutations confirmed significant positive spatial autocorrelation of overall rabies cases from wild animal species in Namibia (Moran’s I = 0.13; p = 0.042). Rabid animals presented the typical clinical signs of rabies. Jackals were responsible for most human and domestic animal bites (80%, 76/95). The number of rabies cases fluctuated over the years, but a clear decline was apparent from 2014 to 2019. The aggregated rabies cases were higher from January to June and lower from July to December.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm that rabies affects various wild animal species in Namibia, which may act as reservoirs of infection and hinder the control and elimination of dog-mediated rabies. A multi-sector One Health approach towards rabies control anchored on pet vaccination is recommended at Namibia’s human-wildlife-livestock interfaces. Innovative strategies for controlling kudu and jackal rabies are required to reduce incidence in the wild.

Сказ в Україні: Патогенез, діагностика та епідеміологічні тенденції у Львівській області

Rabies is an acute infectious zoonotic disease caused by the neurotropic Rabies virus (RABV), a member of the Lyssavirus genus. This review focuses on the pathogenesis, diagnostics, and epidemiological trends of rabies, with a particular emphasis on the Lviv region of Ukraine. The RABV exhibits remarkable pathogenicity, driven by its structural and functional genomic characteristics, immune evasion strategies, and ability to persist in diverse ecological conditions. Rabies pathogenesis involves local replication in muscle cells, followed by retrograde axonal transport to the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and inevitable fatality without timely intervention. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) remain the primary global reservoir of rabies, responsible for over 99% of human cases, particularly in resource-limited regions. In Ukraine, domestic dogs and cats (Felis catus), alongside wildlife such as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) contribute significantly to the disease's epidemiology. Epidemiological data from the Lviv region between 2021 and 2024 indicate a sharp rise in rabies cases, with infections increasing fivefold over the study period. The ongoing large-scale war of russia against Ukraine has exacerbated the situation by disrupting vaccination campaigns and veterinary services, further amplifying the spread of the virus among wild and domestic animals. Molecular diagnostics, including DFA test, PCR, and vaccination programs targeting wildlife and domestic animals are critical for rabies control. This review highlights the need for integrated strategies, including vaccination, surveillance, wildlife population management, and public education, to mitigate rabies transmission. The findings underscore the importance of collaborative efforts to address the escalating challenges of rabies in the Lviv region and provide a foundation for future preventive measures in Ukraine and beyond.

Evaluating rabies content on Ontario public health unit websites

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that is preventable through vaccines. Despite this, it remains a significant public health concern, highlighting the need for effective information dissemination. This study evaluated the availability, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of rabies-related content on the websites of 34 public health units (PHUs) in Ontario, Canada. To our knowledge, no prior research has examined these websites, making this study novel and urgently needed, especially considering the recent rabies case confirmed in Brantford-Brant on September 6, 2024. Key aspects of the disease, including transmission, symptoms, prevention strategies, high-risk populations, and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP) were assessed. Findings revealed, while most PHUs provided basic information, there are noteworthy gaps regarding high-risk populations and clear RPEP guidelines. Out of the 34 PHUs reviewed, inconsistencies were noted, with 17.7% of websites containing incorrect information, 26.5% presenting misleading content, 67.7% offering incomplete information, and 17.7% providing outdated data. These communication gaps could undermine rabies prevention efforts in Ontario. Standardizing information across PHU websites is vital to improving public understanding, ensuring effective disease management, and enhancing health care providers’ capacity to deliver timely advice. Addressing these issues will help to strengthen public health outcomes and build trust in public health authorities.

Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Rabies Virus Lineages in South Africa.

Rabies virus (RABV; species Lyssavirus rabies) causes rabies, a disease of the central nervous system that invariably results in the death of the host. In South Africa, studies have indicated that RABV is maintained by animal species that include four wildlife carnivore species-the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas), bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata), and aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)-and domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). The complex natural ecology holds significant implications for the control and elimination of rabies. In this study, confirmed animal rabies case data, including geospatial features, were analyzed for 12,879 laboratory-confirmed animal cases reported on a database managed by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Sequence data generated from animal rabies cases in South Africa were also analyzed, which included 1374 cytoplasmic domain of the glycoprotein and the G-L intergenic sequences using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference. The analysis provides insights into the transmission dynamics involving several wildlife species and domestic dogs in South Africa. This information is crucial for the strategic planning for rabies control and elimination programs, and particularly in understanding the interlinked nature of some lineages and the importance of the cross-border spread of rabies. This analysis provided an improved understanding of the distribution of the RABV lineages in South Africa and identified areas that can be targeted for rabies control strategies to limit future spread of RABV, which is important due to the limited available resources that must be carefully managed to allow optimal control.

Improving awareness of rabies and free-roaming dogs in schools of Guwahati, Assam, India: exploring the educators’ perspective

BackgroundRabies poses a significant threat to public health in India, with schoolchildren comprising approximately 40% of mortality due to this zoonotic disease. Despite ongoing interventions in schools to increase awareness about rabies and free-roaming dogs (FRD), the incidence of dog bites and rabies cases among schoolchildren continues to rise. This study addresses the limitations of existing awareness programs by exploring educators' perspectives and proposing innovative, feasible, and cost-effective interventions in schools.MethodsA three-day workshop involving 19 teachers from seven schools representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds by adopting a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus on interventions identified during the process.ResultsThe workshop recommends (a) promoting awareness in morning assemblies, (b) starting a wall magazine on One Health, (c) distributing and displaying information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, (d) encouraging infographics, paintings, sketches, and reels, (e) integrating rabies-related topics in co-curricular activities, (f) initiating interdisciplinary projects focusing on rabies awareness (g) displaying in rabies awareness stalls during exhibitions/school functions, and (h) discussing in parent-teachers meets.ConclusionsThis study identifies sustainable and pedagogically sound interventions to raise awareness about rabies and FRD in schools, contributing to the broader goal of reducing rabies-related mortality among school children.

Documenting challenges in achieving rabies elimination by 2030 in low-middle income countries; a Kenyan case study from Lamu County, 2020–2022: mixed methods approach

BackgroundKenya launched a Rabies Elimination Strategy in 2014, aiming to end human rabies deaths by 2030. In March 2022, Lamu County reported increased cases of human dog bites and suspected rabies deaths to the Ministry of Health (MoH). We aimed to establish the extent of the rabies outbreak in humans and animals and determine the challenges to achieving rabies elimination by 2030.MethodsWe extracted dog bite reports from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), national surveillance database system, and reviewed medical records at health facilities in Lamu County for suspected human rabies deaths from 2020 to 2022. We obtained information about animal bites and illnesses in deceased persons, checked the availability of anti-rabies vaccines in health facilities, and administered rabies knowledge and practice questionnaires to health workers. For categorical data, frequencies and proportions were determined.ResultsThere were 787 dog bite cases and six human rabies cases. Only a third (2/6) of the rabies cases were uploaded to the KHIS. The county used targeted dog vaccination, and samples were not collected from the biting dogs. Regarding the availability of human rabies vaccines, half (8/16) of the facilities had the human rabies vaccine, and 19% (3/16) had both the human rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). Rabies vaccine stock-outs were common at 73% (11/16). Only 25% (18/73) of the health workers reported their first action would be to clean the bite wound with running water and soap for 15 min. Additionally, 86% (54/63) did not know the recommended human rabies vaccine and RIG dosage and schedule, while 25% (18/73) of healthcare workers were satisfied with the existing information-sharing mechanisms between veterinary and human health departments for rabies prevention and control.ConclusionsThere was underreporting of rabies cases, a lack of awareness of bite wound management at health facilities, and persistent stockouts of human rabies vaccines. We suggest training healthcare workers on animal bite case management and improving One Health information exchange.

Neurofilament Light Chain: A Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Rabies.

Rabies is a fatal, acute progressive encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus and other Lyssaviruses. Several other clinical conditions can mimic rabies. Antemortem laboratory diagnosis remains challenging and requires multiple or serial sampling for confirmation. Measurement of host-based biomarkers is an emerging area of research in infectious diseases; however, a reliable biomarker for rabies remains elusive. In this study, neurofilament light chain (NfL), an established marker of neuronal injury, has been investigated as a potential diagnostic marker for rabies. NfL levels were measured using the Simoa NfL v2 kit in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples received for routine diagnostic testing from encephalitis cases (rabies, n = 31; other encephalitides, n = 30) and controls (n = 24). The median serum NfL level in the rabies group was significantly higher than that in the control group (adjusted p < 0.001), as well as the other encephalitides group (adjusted p = 0.024). Furthermore, the median CSF NfL level in the rabies group was significantly higher than that in the other encephalitides group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in serum or CSF NfL levels in rabies cases with different clinical presentations, prior vaccination status, or incubation period. These findings demonstrate for the first time that rabies can be differentiated from other causes of encephalitis by extremely high NfL levels.

ЗНАЧЕНИЕ СОБАК (CANIS FAMILIARIS L., 1758) В ЭПИЗООТИЧЕСКОМ И ЭПИДЕМИЧЕСКОМ ПРОЦЕССЕ БЕШЕНСТВА НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ РОССИИ В ХХ–XXI вв.

The purpose of the study is to show the importance of dogs in the epizootic and epidemic process of rabies on the territory of the Russian Federation since the mid-twentieth century until now. The number of reported cases of canine rabies declined since 1960 and was relatively stable until 1996, after which the disease increased exponentially. In the structure of the incidence of rabies in domestic carnivores, the share of dogs decreased by 24.3 % (from 84.2% in 1960–1994 to 59.9 % in 2007–2010). Overall, in 2018–2021 there was a predominance of the share of domestic animals. Among sick dogs in 2020–2021 up to 10 % were stray dogs. In 2012–2018 dogs were the source of human rabies infection in 39.3 % of cases in 2019–2021 – in 47.1 %, the maximum share of dogs was in 2020 – in 62.5 % of cases. Among people who died from rabies when infected from dogs, there were more men than women (60.5 ± 3.9 versus 39.5 ± 3.9 %). The dead men made up the majority among both rural and urban residents (57.2 ± 4.0 and 65.2 ± 3.8 %, respectively). Men were more often infected from stray dogs than from domestic dogs. The proportion of affected rural residents exceeded the proportion of urban residents by 3.3 times (76.8 ± 3.4 versus 23.2 ± 3.4 %). At the same time, in the age category of 81–90 years, the share of urban residents was 3 times higher than the share of rural residents (2.4 ± 1.2 versus 0.8 ± 0.7 %). In the age categories from 16 to 70 years, on the contrary, the share of rural residents exceeded the share of urban residents by 5.5 times (52.4 ± 4.2 versus 9.6 ± 2.4 %). Among urban residents, almost twice as many men were affectted as women.

Phylogeography Analysis Reveals Rabies Epidemiology, Evolution, and Transmission in the Philippines.

Rabies, caused by rabies virus, is a severe public health problem in the Philippines, where animal rabies epidemiology had been extensively investigated, but little is known about the national epidemiologic situations since 2010. Here, we report a 12-year nationwide animal rabies surveillance with systematic phylogenetic analysis, in which 353 whole genomes of rabies viruses collected from animal rabies cases between 2018 and 2022 were obtained. The phylogenetic and spatial-temporal evolutionary analyses showed that rabies viruses in the Philippines were exclusively classified into the SEA4 subclade within the Asian clade, but forming three major geographically specific lineages. Intra-island spread predominates the rabies transmission in three major island regions, while the inter-island transmission, between major island regions, is very limited, likely due to ocean barriers. Overall, our findings have provided the most comprehensive dataset on the infected animal species, geographic distribution, transmission dynamics, genetic diversity of rabies viruses, and transmission risk factors, thus established a basis to support WOAH-endorsed national control program for dog-mediated rabies in the Philippines.

Pediatric Rabies Due to a Feral Cat Bite in the Amazonas Region of Peru: First Rabies Case in a Decade

Pediatric Rabies Due to a Feral Cat Bite in the Amazonas Region of Peru: First Rabies Case in a Decade

P-158. Knowledge of Rabies Prevention Measures for Dog Bite Incidents in the Peruvian Population: Findings from a National Survey in 2022

Abstract Background Rabies continues to be a significant global zoonotic threat. In the last two decades, Peru has reported nine dog-transmitted rabies cases, including a preventable death in 2023. This study aimed to assess public knowledge of rabies prevention post-dog bites, focusing on sociodemographic disparities to better tailor future interventions.Figure 1.Factors associated with knowledge of the Rabies Preventive Triad of the Peruvian population, ENAPRESS 2022. Methods Utilizing data from the 2022 National Survey of Budget Programs, targeting Peruvians aged 14 and older through a stratified two-stage sampling across both urban and rural areas, this cross-sectional study included 89,655 adults who completed interviews on the rabies prevention triad (wound washing, biting animal identification, and medical consultation). The "Survey" package in R facilitated data analysis, acknowledging the complex design. Poisson regression was employed to explore sociodemographic disparities in knowledge. Results Out of 89,655 participants, the majority were women (53.7%), aged 30-59 (52.2%), and lived in urban areas (81.6%). The 6.5% displayed adequate knowledge of the rabies preventive triad, 45.7% indicated they would clean their wounds, 20.9% would identify the dog involved, and 86.7% would seek medical attention at a health facility. Regression models revealed better knowledge among older adults and the elderly (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.03-1.05), females (aPR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), and those with higher educational levels. Highland residents showed greater knowledge than coastal ones (aPR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). Conversely, Quechua ethnicity and rural residency were negatively associated with knowledge (aPR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96-0.98 and aPR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-0.99, respectively) (Figure 1). Conclusion Despite the high frequency of dog bites in Peru, knowledge of rabies prevention is very low. Although limited by potential recall bias and its non-causal inference capacity, the study's strengths lie in its national scope and reliable data collection. The results underscore the urgency of targeted educational campaigns and policy enhancement in high-risk areas to boost community health and rabies prevention. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Integration of Ethnopharmacology and One Health Approach for Rabies Control in Kualin, East Nusa Province

The ethnopharmacological approach and One Health framework offer a novel perspective with significant potential in controlling rabies cases in East Nusa (NTT), Indonesia. Traditional medicines rooted in local knowledge can complement existing prevention and treatment strategies. This descriptive study involved 20 respondents to explore local practices related to rabies treatment. The findings indicate that integrating ethnopharmacological insights with the One Health approach can contribute significantly to rabies control, particularly in Kualin Subdistrict, South Central Timor Regency, NTT. The study identified local practices, analyzed their integration with modern medical interventions, and educated the community about rabies prevention. These results highlight the importance of incorporating ethnopharmacological knowledge into public health programs while promoting cross-sectoral collaboration in human, animal, and environmental Health. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal plants used by the community. Additionally, developing community-based educational programs and strengthening collaborations between the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities are crucial for creating effective and sustainable strategies for rabies control in NTT.

Where have all the rabies cases gone? Results of rabies virus surveillance in wildlife in the Yukon, Canada

Where have all the rabies cases gone? Results of rabies virus surveillance in wildlife in the Yukon, Canada

Toxoplasma gondii and Rabies-The Parasite, the Virus, or Both?

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of vertebrates, including humans. Although cats are the only definitive host, any warm-blooded animal can act as a paratenic host. Throughout the years, this apicomplexan parasite has been studied due to its wide prevalence, zoonotic potential, and host behavioral alterations. Known for its neurological alterations, the rabies virus is one of the most recognized types of zoonosis that, although preventable, still causes deaths in humans and animals worldwide. Due to the overlapping clinical signs of these two pathogens, the objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in cerebellum tissue collected for rabies testing; cerebellum tissue from diverse animals is often submitted for this purpose. Between May 2022 and April 2024, we tested 903 cerebellum tissue samples from 22 animal species submitted for rabies testing to the Oklahoma Animal Diagnostic Disease Laboratory. Overall, T. gondii prevalence was 3.96%, with 1.8% found in cats (Felis catus), 1.7% in dogs (Canis familiaris), 0.3% in skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and 0.2% in infected cattle (Bos taurus). Analysis among T. gondii-positive hosts revealed a statistically significant difference in dogs when comparing neutered vs. intact males, with 7.94% (5/63) T. gondii-positive neutered males and 1.61% (3/186) T. gondii-positive intact males (p = 0.02). All the T. gondii-positive samples were negative for rabies. Anamnesis in some of the T. gondii-positive samples included ataxia, aggression, muscle rigidity, lethargy, and seizures, with the latter also described in dogs and aggression in the positive bovine sample. The clinical signs described in the T. gondii-infected hosts can be mistaken for rabies infection; therefore, it is important to consider T. gondii as a differential diagnosis in suspected rabies cases and test for this parasite when negative rabies results are obtained.