ABSTRACT
In Nigeria rabies is endemic and it is an important public health issue that has remained neglected. This is because of the paucity of data to estimate the true status and the public health impact of the disease. Dogs are the major reservoir of the disease and the route of transmission to humans is mainly via bite from a rabid dog. The consumption of dog meat has now become popular among some communities in Nigeria, but there are no data on the prevalence of rabies virus among the apparently healthy dogs and the level of risk of rabies to the people involved in the handling and processing dog meat in the country. The objective of this study is to estimate prevalence of rabies virus among slaughtered dogs in Lafia and to establish the profile of dog bite victims. One hundred and fifty (150) heads freshly slaughtered dogs were collected from 5 different locations and tested using FAT. Hospital and veterinary records from 2006-2009 were reviewed to establish the profile of dog bite victims, characteristics of biting dogs and the trend of dog bite. Two hundred questionnaires were also administered to households to estimate dog population. Data collected was analyzed using Epi-info version 3.3 and Microsoft office Excel 2003 to obtain frequencies, percentages and trends. Dog population of Lafia was estimated to be 33000 with low rabies vaccination coverage. An overall prevalence of 26% among slaughtered dogs was established and dog bites were mainly among male children <15years. The bites were highest in the months of August and September. Dog bite victims hardly receive the complete post exposure prophylaxis following bite by a dog of unknown rabies vaccination status. The following recommendations were made, promotion of responsible dog ownership and emphasizing the importance of dog vaccination, promotion of health education on the dangers of rabies and the importance of post exposure prophylaxis and the use of personal protective equipment while handling and processing dog meat. Government should enforce legislation of dog vaccination, registration, movement/confinement of dogs within premises, develop policy to regulate dog slaughter and Dalhatu Araaf Specialist hospital Lafia should keep stock of human anti-rabies vaccine.