Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

A key strategy for achieving the WHO global target of zero human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030 is mass rabies vaccination of free-ranging dog populations, the primary rabies reservoir in endemic nations. Although India accounts for the highest burden of dog-mediated human rabies deaths, very little is known about freeranging dog ecology, demography, ownership or accessibility for vaccination. Experience from mass sterilisation campaigns in the state of Kerala suggests that a significant proportion of free-ranging dogs are difficult to access for capture or handling, raising concerns about the feasibility of achieving the WHO-recommended 70% vaccination coverage for rabies elimination. This study reports results from mathematical models of rabies transmission and control that are being built to inform fieldwork in India. The effects of varying demography, accessibility for vaccination and duration of immunity on rabies persistence and prospects for elimination will be presented, and potential strategies for expanding coverage discussed.

Type

Other

Publication Date

30/05/2018

Keywords

rabies, vaccination, free-ranging dogs, accessibility