Further review of the epidemiology of rabies in Zambia (1975-1982)

Summary : A review of rabies-positi ve cases between 1975 and 1982 showed that rabies occurred mainly in dogs. During this period a total of 1,384 cases were diagnosed, 1,076 (77.7%) of which were in dogs. During the same period, 280 cases occurred among farm animals, prin­ cipally in bovines (199 cases, 14.3%). The jackal was the most fre­ quently affected species among the wildlife population. Fourteen human cases were also confirmed at the laboratory during the same period. The role played by dogs and jackals in maintaining and spreading the disease in Zambia is presented and discussed.