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The Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research2024; 91(1); e1-e10; doi: 10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2181

Rabies in equids in Sudan.

Abstract: Rabies is endemic in Sudan with continuing outbreaks occurring annually, the most common animals affected are dogs, followed by goats and equids. This work focused on equid rabies, to elucidate the current situation of the disease through analysis of reports of equid rabies outbreaks in Sudan during 2010-2022 supported by laboratory confirmation of the disease. During the study period, 66 animals were affected during 35 equid rabies outbreaks. The highest incidences were found in Al Gezira (30.3%), followed by Darfur (24.2%) and Kordofan (15.2%). The highest incidence rate was observed during 2018 (33.3%), followed by 2015 (16.7%). Within seasons, the highest incidence rate was reported during October - December (33.3%), followed by July - September (30.3%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between rabid animals and year, season, and state. Wald statistics demonstrated that year and season had a significant association with the disease. Virus antigen was identified (72.2%) in brain tissues using the fluorescent antibody test. Viral nucleic acid was amplified (n = 6) with a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay.Contribution: As equids are kept in close contact with humans and other animals in the country, according to the present investigation, equid rabies in Sudan is a potential public health concern, emphasising the importance of implementing effective control measures.
Publication Date: 2024-09-26 PubMed ID: 39354785PubMed Central: PMC11447646DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2181Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research article presents a comprehensive study on the prevalence of Rabies in equids (like horses, donkeys, and mules) in Sudan between the years 2010-2022. The results highlight that Rabies in equids, given their close contact with humans, poses a significant public health concern that warrants effective control measures.

Overall Study Details

  • The study centers around the prevalence of Rabies, a disease endemic to Sudan, specifically in equids. The research period spans from 2010-2022.
  • The study involved analyzing reports of Rabies outbreaks in Sudan’s equid population alongside laboratory confirmation of the disease.
  • 66 animals were affected during 35 equid Rabies outbreaks in the designated study period.

Incidences and Location

  • The highest incidence of the disease was found in Al Gezira (30.3%), followed by Darfur (24.2%) and Kordofan (15.2%).
  • The year with the highest incidence rate was 2018, accounting for 33.3% of the cases of the disease, followed by 2015 (16.7%).
  • The most common season for the disease was between October and December (33.3%), followed closely by July – September (30.3%).
  • A significant correlation was established between rabid animals, the year, season, and the state, using Chi-square analysis. Wald statistics further affirmed this correlation, showing a significant association between the season and the year with the disease.

Lab Confirmation and Public Health Concern

  • Virus antigen identified in 72.2% of the brain tissues examined using the fluorescent antibody test.
  • Viral nucleic acid was also amplified in six instances using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay.
  • The research concludes that given the close contact equids have with humans and other animals in Sudan, rabies in equids presents a significant public health concern. The article emphasizes the importance of deploying efficient control measures to contain the disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Ali YH, Mohieddeen TAG, Abdellatif MM, Ahmed BM, Saeed IK, Attaalfadeel HM, Ali AA. (2024). Rabies in equids in Sudan. Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 91(1), e1-e10. https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2181

Publication

ISSN: 2219-0635
NlmUniqueID: 0401107
Country: South Africa
Language: English
Volume: 91
Issue: 1
Pages: e1-e10

Researcher Affiliations

Ali, Yahia H
  • Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; and Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum. y1beik@gmail.com.
Mohieddeen, Tenzeil A G
    Abdellatif, Muaz M
      Ahmed, Baraa Mohammed
        Saeed, Intisar K
          Attaalfadeel, Husham M
            Ali, Amani A

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Sudan / epidemiology
              • Rabies / epidemiology
              • Rabies / veterinary
              • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
              • Horse Diseases / virology
              • Equidae
              • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
              • Incidence
              • Horses
              • Seasons

              Conflict of Interest Statement

              The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

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