Exploring Rabies Endemicity in Pakistan: Major Constraints & amp; Possible Solutions

Acta Trop. 2021 Jun 15:106011. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106011. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTRabies, the oldest recorded viral zoonosis in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, is a neglected and lingering endemic disease in Pakistan. The review of online available rabies-related journals, papers and reports through platforms and electronic databases have provided the basis for a detailed analysis of the rabies situation in Pakistan. Only published materials related to various research areas of rabies in Pakistan were included and meaningful conclusions were developed to identify major constraints and generate an intellectual discussion on possible solutions. Results revealed 52 studies representing major issues concerning rabies prevention related to topics including, but not limited to: epidemiological investigations (40.38%), prophylactic measures (21.15%), population of wandering dogs (13.46%), public awareness and government interventions (17.30%) and diagnostic surveillance (7.69%). In order to minimize these problems and reduce the prevalence of dog bites or rabies in significant manners, the country direly needs to apply the following actions: a maintained supply of rabies prophylactic measures in public hospitals at subsidized rates, mass dog vaccination at regional levels, enforced responsible animal ownerships, implementing a systematic One Health approach, and diagnostic labs equipped with surveillance mechanisms established in coordination with the livestock an...
Source: Acta Tropica - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research