Original Research

Rabies in equids in Sudan

Yahia H. Ali, Tenzeil A.G. Mohieddeen, Muaz M. Abdellatif, Baraa Mohammed Ahmed, Intisar K. Saeed, Husham M. Attaalfadeel, Amani A. Ali
Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research | Vol 91, No 1 | a2181 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2181 | © 2024 Yahia H. Ali, Tenzeil A.G. Mohieddeen, Muaz M. Abdellatif, Baraa Mohammed Ahmed, Intisar K. Saeed, Husham M. Attaalfadeel, Amani A. Ali | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 30 March 2024 | Published: 26 September 2024

About the author(s)

Yahia H. Ali, Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; and Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
Tenzeil A.G. Mohieddeen, Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
Muaz M. Abdellatif, Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Baraa Mohammed Ahmed, Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
Intisar K. Saeed, Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; and Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
Husham M. Attaalfadeel, Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Arts, Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; and Department of Economics, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, The Holy Quran University, Omduman, Sudan
Amani A. Ali, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar,, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Rabies is endemic in Sudan with continuing outbreaks occurring annually, the most common animals affected are dogs, followed by goats and equids. This work focused on equid rabies, to elucidate the current situation of the disease through analysis of reports of equid rabies outbreaks in Sudan during 2010–2022 supported by laboratory confirmation of the disease. During the study period, 66 animals were affected during 35 equid rabies outbreaks. The highest incidences were found in Al Gezira (30.3%), followed by Darfur (24.2%) and Kordofan (15.2%). The highest incidence rate was observed during 2018 (33.3%), followed by 2015 (16.7%). Within seasons, the highest incidence rate was reported during October – December (33.3%), followed by July – September (30.3%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between rabid animals and year, season, and state. Wald statistics demonstrated that year and season had a significant association with the disease. Virus antigen was identified (72.2%) in brain tissues using the fluorescent antibody test. Viral nucleic acid was amplified (n = 6) with a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay.

Contribution: As equids are kept in close contact with humans and other animals in the country, according to the present investigation, equid rabies in Sudan is a potential public health concern, emphasising the importance of implementing effective control measures.


Keywords

rabies; equine; fluorescent antibody test; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; Sudan

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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