System dynamics modelling approach to explore the effect of dog demography on rabies vaccination coverage in Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dogs are important reservoirs of rabies, a zoonotic viral encephalitis that kills thousands of people in Asia and Africa annually. Mass dog vaccination is recommended for the prevention of rabies in both humans and dogs. Mass vaccinations should be conducted annually but more frequent campaigns may be required in areas with high dog turnover rates. Consequently, a good understanding of dog demography is essential for the control of the disease. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of dog demography on rabies vaccination coverage following a mass vaccination campaign with at least 70% vaccination coverage.

Methodology/principal findings

A dog population model was constructed to explore the effect of dog demography on rabies vaccination coverage decline.

SUBMITTER: Chidumayo NN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6201891 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature