Seroprevalence and predisposing factors of rabies antibodies in unvaccinated dogs in Sierra Leone

OBJECTIVE: This study determines the seroprevalence and associated factors of rabies in unvaccinated dogs in Sierra Leone. BACKGROUND: Rabies control is poorly coordinated in Sierra Leone which was ranked as the third hungriest country in the world. Due to limited access to rabies vaccines, the need for comprehensive serological data on dogs for control of the disease is expedient. METHODS: A random multistage technique considering high, medium and low incident areas of rabies cases in dog‐populated communities was adopted. Samples were collected from dogs with owners which were at least 1‐year old. Samples were analysed using a commercial ELISA in accordance to manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: 25.2% of the total 270 samples tested positive for the presence of rabies antibodies. Kenema district had the highest number of positive samples, followed by the Bombali district and Moyamba district the least. Predisposing factors, including sex, the status of castration, the type of settlement, district and the availability of fences at locations where dogs are kept, had significant effects (p<0.05) on the exposure of dogs to rabies. The 25.2% antibody seroprevalence obtained is very low. CONCLUSIONS: Concerted effort should be made to enhance rabies vaccination through an awareness campaign and provision of vaccine to dog owners. Good waste disposal and management practices to reduce open garbage disposal in communities will go a long way to limit the stray‐dog population and minimize rabies outbreaks especially in third‐world countries where rabies vaccines are not accessible.