Using a One Health Approach for the Assessment of Rabies Control in Rural Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Rabies, a viral zoonotic disease, is widespread in Zimbabwe, with human fatalities reported annually in the country. To supplement the Government’s effort on rabies control, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Zimbabwe have joined forces to carry out dog rabies vaccinations in rural communities adjacent to the major tourist attraction of The Victoria Falls. A One Health approach was used to 1) determine the level of protective rabies antibodies among a sample of rural dogs and 2) collect information and describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to rabies among dog owners. In 2020, blood was collected from dogs and a survey was implemented among dog owners. Rabies antibody levels were evaluated using the BioPro Rabies ELISA Ab kit for 498 dogs, with a percentage of blocking ≥70% classified as having protective rabies antibodies (PrAbs). At time of sampling in 2020, 32.1% of dogs had PrAbs. Among previously vaccinated dogs, 44.8% had PrAbs. The proportion of previously vaccinated dogs with PrAbs decreased with time since vaccination, with(87.5%), 1-2 years (45.1%) and >2 years (31.2%). A multivariable logistic model revealed that the odds of having PrAbs was significantly associated with dogs being previously vaccinated, being overweight and among dogs not used for herding cattle. KAP responses among dog owners indicated low awareness (3.8%) of appropriate wound management as a critical first step for post-bite care. Dog rabies vaccinations should be increased in this area to protect dogs, and thus prevent human infection and death.