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A multidisciplinary approach to an outbreak of canid Rabies in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Description

On 3rd of June, 2010 a sick dog was presented to an Animal Welfare Agency. Biliary treatment unsuccessful and the dog was euthanased and tested positive for Rabies on FAT. In this mixed rural urban area of South Africa Rabies is an occasional disease usually related to a sylvatic/mongoose biotype. Within 2 weeks another 2 cases were confirmed in dogs in a 3 km radius of the index case. A single fatal human case was diagnosed in a young girl in October 2010. Eventually 53 cases were reported in the following domestic dogs (46), Bovine (3), Mongoose (2), genet (1) and domestic cat (1). Sequencing of the virus determined it was a canid biotype (dog-to-dog transmission good). The outbreak eventually covered an area of 27 km northsouth and 34 km east-west. Animal and human health government agencies were not geared to respond to a situation of this magnitude or characteristics.

Use of EHP is a practical way of case finding. Dog-bite cases are reported to local clinic, EHP investigate the case, and based on the information gathered a rapid decision to deploy a veterinarian made. After assessment by veterinarian on probability of rabies, is PEP begun. Can then be terminated once the laboratory result is obtained (if applicable). Good co-ordination is required.

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