Rabies Situation- In Iringa Region, Tanzania: Past and Current Observations (1960 - 1992)

Abstract

Rabies and its control in Iringa region in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania are reported. The study involved perusal of veterinary and medical records and questionnaires to the district veterinary and  medical  records  and questionnaires to the district veterinary officers with a view of examining the incidence, seasonal variation , control measures and the general importance of rabies in both animals and humans in  the region  at  different times between  years  1960 and 1992. It was observed that, the rabies situation had not improved for the better, and that the disease is still prevalent and rampant now as in the past, throughout the region without significant difference by season. There is a correlation between the canine population and the incidence of rabies within the districts and that while in general evidence points at the domestic dog as a major reservoir and vector of the rabies virus,  there is evidence  that the wild canidae may be playing a similar role in certain rural areas particularly in Ludewa district. The difficulties in controlling the problem are pointed out and some suggestion for improving monitoring and controlling the disease are given