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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(18); doi: 10.3390/ani13182974

Epidemiology and Control of Rabies in Cattle and Equines in Rondônia State, a Brazilian’s Legal Amazon Area.

Abstract: Rabies is a fatal neglected tropical zoonosis, and its significance for domestic herbivores in the rural cycle is probably associated with rainforest deforestation, livestock, and agricultural expansion. This epidemiological survey aimed to study the occurrence of rabies in bovines and equines in the state of Rondônia, located in the Brazilian's Legal Amazon, between the years 2002 and 2021, correlating these findings with the prophylactic strategies adopted by the local sanitary agency for rabies control. During this period, 201 cases were observed in bovines and 23 in equines. A downward trend in rabies incidence was observed for both domestic herbivores. Rabies did not show a higher occurrence in any specific time of the year, and epidemic periods varied during some years for bovines and equines. Using the Generalized estimating equations (GEE) method, a multiple model approach was obtained with the explanatory variables significantly associated with the decrease in rabies incidence in cattle and horses during the study period: the ratio of treated bats and ratio of vaccine doses sold. Furthermore, the ratio of printed educative material was positively associated with rabies incidence. Despite a decreasing trend in rabies occurrences in this Amazon rainforest area, likely due to the actions taken by the animal sanitary agency, rabies remains endemic and requires monitoring, as well as prophylactic strategies to control this disease.
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Publication Date: 2023-09-20 PubMed ID: 37760375PubMed Central: PMC10526067DOI: 10.3390/ani13182974Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates trends in the occurrence of rabies in bovines (cattle) and equines (horses) in the Brazilian state of Rondônia from 2002 to 2021 and analyzes how preventative strategies from local sanitary agencies correlate with these trends.

Overview of the Study

The study focuses on the epidemiology of rabies in Rondônia, a state in Brazil’s Legal Amazon area. The researchers collected data on rabies occurrences in bovines and equines over nearly a two-decade span, from 2002 to 2021. They identified:

  • 201 cases of rabies in bovines
  • 23 cases of rabies in equines

During this time, they noted a decrease in the overall incidence of rabies in both species, without any specific seasonal peaks.

Statistical Analysis of Data

The researchers utilized a statistical analytical method known as the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method. This method enabled them to create a multiple model approach that confirmed the factors significantly associated with the decrease in rabies incidents in the population of bovines and equines.

Associative Factors

Through their analytical model, the researchers identified two main factors that were significantly associated with the observed decrease in rabies incidence:

  • The ratio of treated bats: This suggests that interventions aimed at controlling bat populations, which are common carriers of the rabies virus, contributed to the decrease in rabies incidence.
  • The ratio of vaccine doses sold: The increased availability and administration of vaccines also contributed to reducing rabies cases within the studied populations.

Interestingly, the researchers also found a positive association between the incidence of rabies and the ratio of printed educative material. This finding implies that while awareness campaigns are crucial, they may not be entirely sufficient for disease control.

Concluding Remarks

Despite the noted decrease in the incidence of rabies in bovines and equines in Rondônia, the study concludes that rabies remains endemic in the area. Continued monitoring and preventative efforts are required to further control the disease. This implies a need for sustained and comprehensive efforts to administer vaccines and control bat populations in the region.

Cite This Article

APA
Sodré DNA, Rossi GAM, Mathias LA, de Andrade Belo MA. (2023). Epidemiology and Control of Rabies in Cattle and Equines in Rondônia State, a Brazilian’s Legal Amazon Area. Animals (Basel), 13(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182974

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 18

Researcher Affiliations

Sodré, Débora Naihane Alves
  • IDARON-Agency of Agrosilvopastoral Sanitary Defense of Rondônia State, Cacoal 76964-062, RO, Brazil.
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil University (UB), Descalvado 13690-000, SP, Brazil.
Rossi, Gabriel Augusto Marques
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vila Velha University (UVV), Vila Velha 29102-920, ES, Brazil.
Mathias, Luis Antonio
  • Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
de Andrade Belo, Marco Antonio
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil University (UB), Descalvado 13690-000, SP, Brazil.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

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