The History of Rabies in Trinidad: Epidemiology and Control Measures

Vampire bat-transmitted rabies was first recognized in Trinidad during a major outbreak reported in 1925. Trinidad is the only Caribbean island with vampire bat-transmitted rabies. We conducted a literature review to describe the changing epidemiology of rabies in Trinidad and give a historical perspective to rabies prevention and control measures on the island. The last human case of rabies occurred in 1937 and although no case of canine-transmitted rabies was reported since 1914, sporadic outbreaks of bat-transmitted rabies still occur in livestock to date. Over the last century, seven notable epidemics were recorded in Trinidad with the loss of over 3000 animals. During the 1950s, several measures were effectively adopted for the prevention and control of the disease which led to a significant reduction in the number of cases. These measures include: vampire bat population control, livestock vaccination, and animal surveillance. However, due to lapses in these measures over the years (e.g., periods of limited vampire control and incomplete herd vaccination), epidemics have occurred. In light of the significant negative impact of rabies on animal production and human health, rabies surveillance in Trinidad should be enhanced and cases evaluated towards the design and implementation of more evidence-based prevention and control programs

Rabies in the Caribbean: A Situational Analysis and Historic Review

Rabies virus is the only Lyssavirus species found in the Americas. In discussions about rabies, Latin America and the Caribbean are often grouped together. Our study aimed to independently analyse the rabies situation in the Caribbean and examine changes in rabies spatiotemporal epidemiology. A questionnaire was administered to the 33 member countries and territories of the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET) to collect current data, which was collated with a literature review. Rabies was endemic in ten Caribbean localities, with the dog, mongoose, and vampire bat identified as enzootic reservoirs. The majority of animal cases occurred in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, while human cases only consistently occurred in the latter two areas. Rabies vaccination was conducted for high-risk animal populations with variable coverage, and rabies diagnostic capacities varied widely throughout the region. Illegal importation and natural migration of animals may facilitate the introduction of rabies virus variants into virus-naïve areas. Passive surveillance, together with enhanced methods and serological screening techniques, can therefore be of value. The insularity of the Caribbean makes it ideal for conducting pilot studies on reservoir host population management. Best practice guidelines developed for these reservoir hosts can be individually modified to the epidemiological status and available resources within each locality

Convergence : mensuel de la solidarité / Secours populaire français ; dir. publ. Julien Lauprêtre ; réd. Antonio Garcia, Valmont Ponceau

avril 20052005/04 (N247)-2005/04.Appartient à l’ensemble documentaire : UnivJeun

Dog vaccine expenditure for years 2013–2014 showing the average unit cost per dose and type of vaccine (Nerve Tissue Vaccines (NTV) vs. cell culture) as reported by the countries, the number of doses applied, and the estimated total expenditure on vaccine (only vaccine, not including logistics costs) for 16 LAC countries.

<p>Dog vaccine expenditure for years 2013–2014 showing the average unit cost per dose and type of vaccine (Nerve Tissue Vaccines (NTV) vs. cell culture) as reported by the countries, the number of doses applied, and the estimated total expenditure on vaccine (only vaccine, not including logistics costs) for 16 LAC countries.</p

Number of countries that completed the REDIPRA questionnaires by main group of indicators by year.

<p>No PEP application data was collected for 2007. No data was collected for 2010–2011.</p

Rabies laboratory capacities.

<p>Percent of countries that replied positively to the use of various laboratory techniques for rabies diagnosis. Seventeen of 19 countries responded; the two non-responders included one low income and one upper middle income country.</p

Animal exposures and post-exposure-prophylaxis (PEP).

<p>(A) Number of animal exposures and number of human rabies vaccines applied by year, period 1998–2014; (B) Ratio PEP doses to number of exposures; (C) Incidence of exposures per 100,000 population.</p

Indicators of national program capability in 2013–2014.

<p>Percentage of country respondents (n = 19) in 2013–2014 with national rabies control programs and basic indicators for control programs.</p