Prevalence and management of suspected rabies in livestock species due to dog bites at Satkania upazilla veterinary hospital and Madras veterinary college hospital

Abstract

The study was carried out to record all clinical cases of dog bites in different livestock species at two internship placements of India during October to November and Bangladesh during15 July to 9 September 2012. The study aimed to determine the proportionate prevalence of suspected rabies in livestock species, frequency of observed clinical signs and the therapeutic management of dog bites. A structured record keeping sheet was used to obtain the necessary information. The prevalence of suspected rabies in cattle was 38% and 3.5% each in goat and horse respectively. The prevalence of rabies occurrence in non vaccinated animal was 84.6%. Female cattle had higher suspected rabies cases (24.1%) than male cattle. 51.7% dog bites were managed by washing the biting site with alkaline soap followed by dressing the wound with either antiseptic or antibiotic powder. Post-exposure vaccines were used in 24.1% cases. Strict adherence to vigorous wound washing and immediate medical evaluation after animal bites will prevent the development of Animal rabies. Veterinarians and animal control officers should handle potentially rabid animals with extreme caution