Retrospective study of dog bites and cases of rabies virus infected dogs in slaughter houses in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was carried out to obtain a 16-year retrospective data on dog bites/suspected dog rabies cases and to determine the prevalence of rabies antigen in the brains of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Makurdi, Benue State. Data for retrospective studies (2003 - 2018) of dog bite/suspected rabies cases was collected from both government and private veterinary clinics in Makurdi while dog brain samples were collected from the dog slaughter slab at the mammy market in Makurdi. A total of 139 dog bite/suspected rabies cases were reported between January, 2003 and December, 2018 in the veterinary clinics with majority (55.3%) of the victims being children less than 16-years old. Only 18 (12.2%) of the offending dogs were quarantined at the time of bite, 11 of which died in quarantine. Five samples from the dogs that died in quarantine were later confirmed positive for rabies at the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Nigeria. Of the 464 brain samples collected from the slaughter slab, 52 (11.2%) tested positive for rabies antigen through the direct fluorescent antibody technique. The presence of rabies antigen in apparently healthy dogs may serve as a source of spread of the virus to the public as most people do not regard bites from healthy dogs as possible exposures. There is need for public health awareness on the health challenges posed by dog bites especially on the possibility of developing rabies from such bites, and the need to promptly report every bite so that proper medical attention can be given. With the world looking at eliminating canine mediated rabies by the year 2030, mass enlightenment programmes regarding rabies and its prevention in Makurdi is strongly recommended to help achieve this goal. Keywords: Bites, Dogs, Rabies, Makurdi, Nigeria, Retrospectiv