Wildlife rabies in Zambia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary science
• Wildlife epidemiology
• Zoonotic diseases

Background:

• Rabies is a significant zoonotic disease with implications for both wildlife and livestock.
• Understanding the epidemiology of rabies in wildlife is crucial for controlling its spread to domestic animals and humans.
• Previous studies have highlighted the role of various wildlife species in rabies transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of wildlife species in rabies cases in Zambia between 1969 and 1976.
• To determine the predominant wildlife species involved in rabies transmission.
• To assess the presence and epidemiology of rabies in intact wildlife communities, including national parks.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1,304 positive rabies cases reported between 1969 and 1976.
• Identification and categorization of positive rabies cases involving wildlife species.
• Epidemiological assessment focusing on the jackal (Canis adustus) and its role in bovine rabies.

Main Results:

• Wildlife species accounted for 2.0% (26 cases) of all positive rabies cases.
• The jackal (Canis adustus) was the predominant wildlife species, representing 69% of wildlife-involved cases.
• Jackals played a significant role in the epidemiology of bovine rabies in remote farm areas.

Conclusions:

• The jackal is a key wildlife reservoir for rabies affecting livestock in Zambian farm areas.
• Rabies appears to be absent from intact wildlife populations in Zambia, especially within national parks.
• The findings suggest a localized epidemiology of rabies in Zambian wildlife, distinct from intact ecosystems.