Heterogeneity in dog population characteristics contributes to chronic under-vaccination against rabies in Guatemala

David Moran, Danilo Alvarez, Loren Cadena, Julie Cleaton, Stephanie J Salyer, Emily G Pieracci, Leila R Camposeco, Sulma Bernal and Ryan M Wallace

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2022, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-20

Abstract: Guatemala has held dog rabies mass vaccination campaigns countrywide since 1984, yet the virus remains endemic. To eliminate dog-mediated human rabies, dog vaccination coverage must reach at least 70%. The Guatemala rabies program uses a 5:1 human:dog ratio (HDR) to estimate the vaccination coverage; however, this method may not accurately reflect the heterogeneity of dog ownership practices in Guatemalan communities. We conducted 16 field-based dog population estimates in urban, semi-urban and rural areas of Guatemala to determine HDR and evaluate the standard 5:1. Our study-derived HDR estimates varied from 1.7–11.4:1 (average 4.0:1), being higher in densely populated sites and lowest in rural communities. The community-to-community heterogeneity observed in dog populations could explain the persistence of rabies in certain communities. To date, this is the most extensive dog-population evaluation conducted in Guatemala, and can be used to inform future rabies vaccination campaigns needed to meet the global 2030 rabies elimination targets.Author summary: Standard dog population estimates used for planning and evaluating dog vaccination campaigns in Guatemala are prone to error due to spatial and ownership heterogeneity among dog populations; advanced population estimation methods should be implemented in areas with persistent endemicity of dog-mediated rabies.

Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pntd00:0010522

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010522

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