Dogs susceptibility to rabies after a vaccination campaign in endemic areas of Perú

Abstract

Objective:To determine the level of immune response after a mass vaccination campaign against rabies in two areas which presented cases of canine rabies in the last years. Materials and methods: A serologic survey was carried out in 101 and 199 dogs located respectively, in the cities of Tambo Grande (Piura) and Juliaca (Puno) and a rabies serum mouse neutralization test was perform to measure neutralizing antibodies (≥ 0,5 UI/mL) according to area of study, vaccination antecedents, age and sex of the dog. Results: After three months of the rabies campaign 32% of all dogs were properly protected, 66% had vaccination antecedents and only 44% of the vaccinated dogs had antibodies (> 0,1 UI/mL). A greater protection against rabies was found in Juliaca than in Tambo Grande in vaccinated dogs (51 vs 34%, p<0,05). Dogs older than a year old were better protected than dogs under a year old (p<0,01), but non relation was found between sex and protection (p>0,05). Conclusions: This study found that there is a poor immune response against rabies in the districts of Tambo Grande, and Juliaca, making them very susceptible to develop dog rabies outbreak.