Preclusive Effects of Rabies Immunization for Dogs

Abstract

At the recommendation of the World Health Organization, preventative measures have been taken for canine infections with the rabies virus and outbreaks have been eliminated by maintaining vaccine coverage of more than 70% in susceptible areas. Recently, Coleman et al. reported that the standard estimation of vaccine coverage, namely the critical percentage (p_c), for the prevention of rabies outbreaks among the dog population is 39-57%, using regression analysis of outbreaks in the United States, Mexico, Malaysia and Indonesia. Additionally, the estimated vaccine coverage with 95% confidence is 55-71%, and outbreaks of rabies infections in dogs can be discouraged by vaccine coverage of more than 70% with a 96.5% probability. However, additional actions are necessary for complete prevention and elimination of rabies outbreaks in the dog population, although statistically outbreaks in dogs may be discouraged with 39-57% pc. Consequently, in cases of vaccine coverage of less than 70%, additional actions are helpful for controlling infections in dogs and for reducing the risk of infection.