Investigation on risk factors of rabies epidemic in Songyang, Zhejiang province, 2006-2008

Objective To explore the risk factors and pattern of rabies epidemic in Songyang and provide evidence for the effective control of rabies.Methods The case survey was conducted and 234 brain specimens of host animal were collected from the epidemic region to detect rabies virus antigen by direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) and the nucleic acid by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results From 2006 to 2008, 2 cases of human rabies were reported, which were bitten by dogs and received no timely wound treatment and vaccination after exposure.Nine dog brain specimens from 234 specimens were detected to be positive with rabies virus (3.85%).The positive rate in dogs was 8.26% (9/109).Conclusion Rabies virus was detected for the first time in Songyang by immunological and molecular biological methods.The increase on incidence of rabies could be attributed to the large number of domesticated dogs, poor supervision and management, low vaccination rate and high infection rate of rabies virus of dogs as well as non-timely wound treatment and immunization after exposure.It is necessary for the departments concerned to strengthen cooperation and adopt practical control and prevention strategies and measures to stop the re-emerging of rabies epidemic.