Dog anti-rabies vaccination coverage in Jos South LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria CI Odita1, IS Tekki2*, DG Moses3, JI Barde3, KO Egwu3,

Domestic dog (Canis familiaris), a well-known companion of man, is the main reservoir host of rabies virus and source of infection to humans in 95% cases in Africa. Vaccination of dogs against rabies is the most effective way of controlling the disease. WHO recommends that annual vaccination coverage of dog populations should be 70% and above for effective control of rabies. However, vaccination coverage of dogs is very low in most African countries, including Nigeria, where the global burden of the disease is highest next to Asia. The aim of this study was to determine and compare rabies vaccination coverage of dog population in Jos South Local Government area (LGA), Plateau State, Nigeria, using two survey approaches. Data on vaccination profile of rabid suspected dogs in Jos South LGA, were retrieved from records of cases presented to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria, for confirmatory diagnosis from 2011 to 2016. Field data on demography and vaccination profile of owned domestic dogs were also obtained by face to face interview with dog owners in the LGA using structured questionnaire. Vaccination coverage of 4.9% and 19.7% were obtained for record and field surveys respectively, for sample estimates. Although average vaccination coverage was estimated as 12.4%, the true population vaccination coverage could be between 12% and 18%, (95% CI). The P-value (0.000) for association between survey approach and true vaccination coverage of dog populations in Jos South LGA was significant. Consequently, evaluation of regular vaccination by active survey is key to achieving WHO recommended vaccination coverage. Nigeria can only align with the world rabies elimination target of 2030 set by the WHO, OIE and FAO by active disease surveillance and enforcement of responsible dog ownership.Keywords: Domestic dog, Jos South LGA, Rabies, Surveillance, Vaccinatio

Fowlpox virus from backyard poultry in Plateau State Nigeria: isolation and phylogeny of the P4b gene compared to a vaccine strain

Fowlpox is a viral infection that cause nodular and diphtheritic lesions on the skin and mucous membrane of the digestive and respiratory tracts of birds. It is a disease of economic importance in domestic and wild birds especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite its endemicity, there is limited literature on the genetic diversity of field virus circulating in Nigeria. In this study, cutaneous tissue samples were aseptically collected from suspected poultry flocks through passive surveillance conducted in Plateau state Nigeria from 2009 to 2013. Fowlpox virus was isolated in chorion allantoic membrane of embryonated chicken eggs and identified with Agar Gel Immuno Diffusion test using homologous reference antigen and antisera. Genomic DNA amplification and cycle sequencing of the P4b gene locus of seven selected field isolates along with a local vaccine strain was done and analysed alongside published sequences of FPV P4b gene using MEGA 5 software. Nucleotide analysis of our isolates and a vaccine strain showed 100% similarity and also shared 72 – 100% homology with selected sequences from the GenBank while clustering on the phylogenetic tree in clade A, subclade A1. This study represents the first available fowl poxvirus sequences (KP987207-KP987214) from the West and Central Africa regions in the GenBank. Full genome sequences and comparative molecular analysis of circulating field and vaccine strain is critical for the design and implementation of target oriented control programme.Keywords: Fowlpox, Isolation, Nigeria, Phylogeny, Viru

Comparison of the Fluorescent Antibody Test and Direct Microscopic Examination for Rabies Diagnosis at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria.

One hundred and eighty-nine (189) dog brain samples submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria for rabies diagnosis were assayed by the Direct Microscopic Examination (DME) for Negri bodies, the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) for rabies antigens, and the Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT). The MIT was used as a confirmatory test. There were 12(12.5%) false negative and 6(6.7%) false positive results with DME, while there was 2(1.7%) false negative and 2(1.7%) false positive with FAT. The FAT was more sensitive (98.26%) than the DME (87.5%), and also more specific, 97.29% and 93.55% respectively. The FAT predicted positive and negative results more accurately than the DME. Positive predictive value of FAT was 98.26% compared with 93.33% of DME, and the negative predictive value of FAT was 97.29% compared with DME’s 87.88%. The pre-test probability of rabies in Vom was 60.8%. This finding shows that FAT is a sensitive and reliable rabies diagnostic test than DME and its continued use is recommended in Nigeria whenever is feasible. The DME is still useful as a screening test, and the MIT must be used to confirm both FAT and DM