Rabies in southern Africa

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Zoonotic Disease Surveillance
• Wildlife Rabies Dynamics

Background:

• The first confirmed rabies outbreak in Africa was recorded in South Africa in 1892, likely introduced by an infected dog.
• Rabies epidemics in dogs subsequently spread across southern Africa, impacting countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Observation:

• Endemic rabies in viverrids (mongooses, genets) was identified in South Africa in 1928, leading to spillover infections in livestock and other animals.
• An invasive form of dog rabies emerged around 1947, spreading from Zambia/Angola into Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
• Further spread into Natal, Lesotho, and the Transkei region occurred, with persistent control challenges in peri-urban areas.

Findings:

• The spread of dog rabies facilitated the emergence of rabies in jackals and cattle in several southern African regions.
• Unique outbreaks, such as rabies in kudu antelope in Namibia (1977-1985) and increasing cases in bat-eared foxes, highlight diverse transmission patterns.
• Rabies-related viruses (Lagos bat, Mokola, Duvenhage) have caused isolated cases in domestic animals, primarily associated with wildlife reservoirs like bats and shrews.

Implications:

• Understanding the historical spread and diverse reservoirs of rabies is crucial for effective control strategies in Africa.
• Ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are necessary to manage endemic and invasive rabies strains, including those in wildlife populations.
• The potential for spillover to livestock and domestic animals necessitates integrated approaches to zoonotic disease management.