Epidemiological Factors Contributing to an  Outbreak of Rabies in Domesticated Mules and  Effectiveness of Control Measures in Prevention  of Spread of Disease to Animal Handlers: A  Longitudinal Descriptive Study

Shubhralok Sinha; Navneet Kaur Sandhu

Shubhralok Sinha Senior Advisor and Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Colonel Health, Northern Command, Udhampur, Jammu, India
Navneet Kaur Sandhu Officer Commanding, Station Health Organisation, Pathankot, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8910-1059

Keywords: : Rabies, Immunization, Risk Assessment, Domesticated Mules, Animal Handlers

Abstract

Introduction: Rabies is responsible for an estimated 59,000 human deaths and over 3.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost every year. India accounts for 59.9% of rabies deaths in Asia and 35% of deaths globally. Rabies deaths in humans are 100% preventable through prompt and appropriate medical care.
Objectives: To study the epidemiological factors comprising host, agent, and environment in the onset of rabies in domesticated mules and determine the effectiveness of control measures such as awarenessraising health talks and immunization in the prevention of the spread of disease to the animal handlers.
Methods: A rabies outbreak was reported by the local veterinary authorities among domesticated mules on a farm located in the Binnaguri District of West Bengal. An epidemiological investigation was carried out to find out the source of infection among mules and animal handlers at risk and to institute containment measures to prevent the spread of disease among animals and animal handlers.
Results: The source of infection in mules was stray animals such as wild foxes and wild dogs, which acted as reservoirs of the infection. Risk assessment among the animal handlers indicated that the majority had Category I exposure. Isolation and containment measures were instituted for all animals at the farm, and the animal handlers were immunized with anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulins based on their risk profile.
Conclusion: The best way of reducing mortality due to rabies is its prevention. Immediate vaccination coupled with health education to improve KAP of animal handlers forms the cornerstone for prevention of the disease in humans.

How to cite this article:
Sinha S, Sandhu N K. Epidemiological Factors Contributing to an Outbreak of Rabies in Domesticated Mules and Effectiveness of Control Measures in Prevention of Spread of Disease to Animal Handlers: A Longitudinal Descriptive Study. APCRI J. 2025; 27(1): 35-39.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202501

References

Park JE, Park K. Textbook of preventive and social medicine. (No Title). 1983. [Google Scholar]

Shukla R, Singhal A, Shaw SC, Manthene M, Sharma R, Soman KP, Singhal A. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis amongYoung Doctors. Journal of Marine Medical Society. 2023 Jul 1;25(2):121-4. [Google Scholar]