Rabies in Kazakhstan.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Public health
• Zoonotic disease surveillance

Background:

• Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease with limited data in low- and middle-income countries.
• Kazakhstan, a middle-income nation, is endemic for rabies, facing significant economic and health burdens.
• Data on rabies incidence in humans and animals is scarce in many regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map livestock rabies distribution in Kazakhstan using surveillance data.
• To estimate the economic impact and human disease burden of rabies in Kazakhstan.
• To identify potential cost-reduction strategies for rabies control.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of public health and veterinary surveillance data from 2003–2015.
• Mapping of livestock and canine rabies occurrence across Kazakhstan.
• Estimation of economic costs, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years).

Main Results:

• Rabies is widespread in livestock and canines, with regional variations in Kazakhstan.
• An average of 7.1 human rabies fatalities and 457 DALYs occurred annually.
• Estimated annual economic impact is $20.9 million, with PEP accounting for a significant portion.

Conclusions:

• Rabies imposes a substantial economic and health burden on Kazakhstan.
• Modifying current vaccination programs could reduce rabies-related costs.
• The study addresses critical data gaps regarding rabies epidemiology and economics in Kazakhstan.