Multifactorial Complexity and Zoonotic Aspects of
Dog-Mediated Human Rabies in Pakistan
Saira Afzal1,
Mehreen Nasir1, Muhammad Nasir Bhaya2, Khunsa
Junaid1, Amber Arshad1, Muhammad Zeeshan Raza3,
Muhammad Amjad Ali4, Waqas Ahmad5* and Sandul
Yasobant6
1Department of Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University,
Lahore, Pakistan; 2Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe
University, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye; 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,
Lahore, Jhang Campus, Jhang, Pakistan; 4Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences,
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan; 5Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Lahore, Narowal Campus, Narowal, Pakistan; 6Centre
for One Health Education, Research and Development (COHERD), Indian
Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, India *Corresponding author:
waqas.hussain@uvas.edu.pk
Abstract
Rabies, a viral illness classified as a neglected
tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), causes thousands of
people to die annually, primarily in underprivileged communities of Africa and
Asia. In the context of a single health framework, one of the primary objectives
of this literature review is to examine the major factors and challenges that
maintain the endemic status of dog-mediated human rabies in Pakistan.
Rabies-endemic countries have an imperative need to work on preventive
strategies to lessen the burden of this terrible disease as per guidelines of
World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and WHO. Lack of public awareness,
free-roaming dogs, and cold chain mismanagement of vaccinations are the 3 most
significant factors contributing to the increasing number of dog bite injuries
and suspected rabies casesinanimals and
humans. To control dog-mediated rabies, Pakistan must initiate and strongly
support a national One Health project, a subsidized supply of human and animal
rabies vaccine in public hospitals, and designated rabies prevention centers at
an affordable cost. People should be educated regarding responsible pet
ownership and follow-up of basic preventive measures. Empowerment of labs
equipped with surveillance systems are also additionally required to strengthen
rabies control and prevention activities at least in regional levels. This
article gives valuable information for scholars and policymakers who wish to
comprehend why this disease remains endemic due to multiplex interplay of
zoonotic, medical, and anthropological risk factors and transmission chains in
animal and human sectors through viral reservoirs. Achieving the 'Zero By 2030'
goal in Pakistan requires joint immediate action from the government, society,
and all health departments at regional, provincial, and national level..
To Cite This Article:
Afzal S, Nasir M, Bhaya
MN, Junaid K, Arshad A, Raza MZ, Ali MA, Ahmad W and Yasobant S, 2022. Multifactorial complexity and zoonotic
aspects of dog-mediated human rabies in Pakistan.
Pak Vet J, 42(4): 445-452.
http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2022.081