Studies on dumb rabies in wild rats (Rattus sp.) in Eastern Nigeria: epidemiological and public health implications

Abstract

Brain specimens obtained from wild rats (Rattus sp.) in Nsukka, Nigeria and confirmed in the laboratory as having died from rabies, were used for epidemiological studies in puppies, cats, goats and trapped wild rats. IM inoculation of suspensions of brain specimens as well as natural contact of experimental animals with rabid rats (dumb or furious) or healthy rats were carried out. Except for a 12-week-old puppy and a 12-week-old goat which also had contact with dumb rabid rats, the rest of the animals died from either dumb or furious forms of rabies.