Rabies incidence and vaccination coverage in dogs and cats in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Rabies vaccination coverage has been declining in Kenya, posing significant economic, animal health and public health impacts. Over 70% annual dog coverage is required for rabies elimination. Information on the status of rabies and vaccination coverage is lacking in most parts of the country but is urgently needed in the prioritization of elimination strategies. Objectives: To determine rabies incidence, vaccination coverage and factors affecting the coverage in dogs and cats. Methods: The Study was carried out in Kakamega County. The study design was a crosssectional survey. Rabies cases and vaccination data were obtained from sub-county veterinary offices. The population of dogs was estimated using the dog: human ratio of 1:8 and that of cats using the cat: human ratio of 1:39. Vaccination coverage was calculated by dividing vaccination figures with the respective populations of dogs and cats. A self administered questionnaire to a census of 12 Sub-County Veterinary officers was used to identify institutional-level factors affecting vaccination coverage. MS Excel and SPSS version 20 were used in data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Data were presented in tables, graphs, charts and narratives. Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare sub-county vaccination rates. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Incidences of 18 cases per 1,000,000 dogs and 67 cases per 1,000,000 cats were documented. The county coverage was 2.8% in dogs and 0.01% in cats. Sub-county dog coverage was significantly different. The coverage was hampered by inadequate documentation, knowledge of dog coverage, resources, promotion of public awareness, 'One Health' collaboration, cold chain and quality assurance infrastructure, high cost of vaccination, a 3-month cut off age in puppy vaccination, influx of dogs of unknown vaccination status and poor enforcement of rabies control laws. Conclusion: Rabies incidence was low but was likely to have been under-estimated. Cat vaccination was neglected. Dog vaccination coverage was far below 70% level. Institutionallevel factors negatively affected vaccination coverage. Recommendations: Sustainable rabies surveillance and reporting are needed. Well planned, resource supported and executed annual mass vaccination of dogs and cats and regular public enlightenment programmes through 'One health' collaboration are required. Dog and cat population sizes, provision of 'free of charge' vaccination and inclusion of puppies younger than 3 months old in vaccinations are needed. Backup power supply, vaccine quality assurance and diagnostic laboratory and strict enforcement of rabies control laws are also required. More research is required to assess social factors that influence the uptake of rabies vaccination.