rabies antiserum

The impacts of dog sterilization campaigns in Thailand: understanding changes in dog population dynamics.

Slote Brontë B, Lau Adrian A, Dower Mike M, Rees Eleanor M EM et al.

Of the estimated near 10 million dogs in Thailand, most are free roaming, raising concerns about nuisance behaviors, dog welfare, and the transmission of diseases such as rabies. Minimal research examines dog population management in Thailand, particularly beyond the Bangkok area. We examine the impact of dog population management (DPM), particularly sterilization campaigns in the form of Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR), by the non-governmental organization Jai Dog Rescue in the Thai province of Nakhon Nayok. Using transect data collected by the organization and generalized linear mixed models we investigated whether sterilization effort was associated with changes in (1) free-roaming dogs observed per km; and the presence of (2) sterilized dogs; (3) lactating females and puppies; and (4) welfare-related indicators. We triangulated these results with data from a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey in two districts within Nakhon Nayok. Jai Dog's DPM effort was associated with changes in the dog population through dog counts and people's perceptions. Dogs observed per km and the presence of puppies decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in association with sterilization effort. The KAP survey suggests that, when compared with a control district where Jai Dog had not worked, respondents in the intervention district were more likely to report decreased number of dogs on their street (p < 0.001), positive perceptions of dog numbers (p = 0.01), and less complaints regarding dogs and nuisance behaviors such as dog bites. Our findings show sustained sterilization coverage up to 3 years following peak sterilization effort. The number of sterilizations conducted each year had a compounding effect on this sterilization coverage, but the number of sterilizations 1 year ago showed the strongest association. Furthermore, KAP survey respondents in the intervention district reported higher numbers of sterilizations among their owned dogs (p < 0.001) and greater preference for humane dog management strategies (p < 0.001). DPM effort was associated with meaningful reductions in free-roaming dogs in Nakhon Nayok province. Jai Dog's monitoring approach using transect counts of directly observed free-roaming dogs is operationally useful, providing a quantitative longitudinal measure of their programme impacts. These results suggest that transects are feasible and valuable for other organizations conducting dog population management.

Rapid competitive ELISA incorporating Semliki Forest virus-expressed rabies virus glycoprotein for serological surveillance of canine and feline rabies immunity.

Han Xiaohu X, Sun Shuyan S, Tian Yuling Y, Li Linfeng L et al.

Although the case fatality rate of rabies approaches 100%, it is entirely preventable through the use of vaccination-induced neutralizing antibodies. Rapid and reliable detection of these antibodies is therefore critical for effective disease control. Using a rabies virus glycoprotein expressed by Semliki Forest virus (SFV-RVG) as a coating antigen and horseradish peroxidase-labeled 7A3 (HRP-7A3) as the detection antibody, we developed a competitive ELISA (cELISA) for the specific detection of rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG)-neutralizing antibodies. On the basis of the testing of the in-house sample panel, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed optimal cutoff values of 42.5% for canine serum and 54.5% for feline serum. The clinical agreement of the kit was excellent, with an overall percent agreement (OPA) of 95.67% for canine serum and 97.17% for feline serum. Overall, the cELISA reported here provides a promising tool for rabies immune surveillance in dogs and cats.

Chile eliminates dog-mediated rabies.

Samarasekera Udani U

Unified Command in Local Public Health: Case Studies of Rabies and Tuberculosis Responses in Douglas County, Nebraska.

Kuddes Caleb C, Wetzel Chad C, Neemann Kari K, Frederick Justin J

As public health emergencies become more frequent and complex, local health departments must increasingly rely on public-private partnerships and whole-community approaches to respond effectively. The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD), serving Nebraska's most populous county, demonstrates how a local agency can coordinate large-scale responses by implementing a unified command structure with diverse partners. This case study presents 2 concurrent public health emergencies that occurred in late 2023: (1) the detection of raccoon rabies virus variant (RRVV) in a domestic kitten, a pathogen not previously identified in Nebraska, and (2) the largest pediatric tuberculosis (TB) exposure investigated in the county's history. Both incidents required rapid coordination across local, state, and federal agencies, as well as engagement with healthcare systems and community organizations. In each response, DCHD activated a unified command structure to facilitate operational objectives, allocate resources, and coordinate risk communication. The rabies response included enhanced animal surveillance, a trap-vaccinate-release campaign, and the manual distribution of 18,000 oral rabies vaccine baits. No additional human or animal cases of RRVV were identified. The TB response involved identifying 643 exposed individuals, conducting mass testing clinics with local healthcare partners, and rapidly initiating prophylaxis for vulnerable populations. No cases of secondary transmission were identified. These case studies demonstrate how local health departments can lead complex responses by leveraging established partnerships, aligning with National Incident Management System principles, and coordinating unified command operations. Lessons learned from Douglas County's experience offer practical guidance for other jurisdictions preparing for zoonotic and airborne infectious disease threats, especially when internal resources are limited.