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Elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies worldwide will require large-scale dog vaccination campaigns. However, this places participating vaccinators at increased risk. Data from the 2016–2017 Haitian mass rabies vaccination campaign was analyzed to determine dog bite incidence among vaccinators. A survey was then developed for completion by all identifiable bitten vaccinators covering demographics; experience and training; bite episode details; attitudes toward dogs and rabies; and medical care. A parallel group of unbitten vaccinators was also surveyed. Dog bite incidence was 0.03% (43/127,000) of all dogs vaccinated. The capture, vaccinate, and release method of vaccination carried a significantly higher risk of dog bite (0.35%, 6/1,739 vaccinations) than other methods (P < 0.001). Twenty-seven bitten vaccinators, and 54 control vaccinators were included in the survey analysis. No differences were found between groups in demographics, experience, or training. However, bitten vaccinators were significantly more likely than the control group to have experienced a dog bite before the study period (P < 0.001). This may be associated with a lesser appreciation of dogs, and/or a poorer ability to interpret dog behavioral signals within this group. Although 98% of the control group indicated they would seek medical care for a dog bite, only 35% of bitten vaccinators sought such care. On a yearly basis, for the Haitian campaign, a full series of postexposure rabies vaccinations for all bite victims would prove more cost-effective than preexposure vaccination of all vaccinators. These findings may prove useful for the planning and safety of future mass dog vaccination campaigns.

Objective. To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Methods. National laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 – November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient. Results. Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa > 0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detecting E. granulosus in canine feces was demonstrated in this study. An ex-post comparison of the laboratories’ test protocols showed substantial heterogeneity that could partially explain poor concordance of results. Conclusion. The results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.

The Region of Central and South America represents an eclectic scenery with regards to its economic and social indicators and its ecological and geographical range. This is a Region with a vast wildlife diversity, which also holds the largest livestock producing and exporting countries. In this context, many opportunities for interaction at the wildlife–livestock interface arise, enabling the occurrence of important infectious diseases.

The forthcoming World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030 recognises the complexity surrounding control and elimination of these 20 diseases of poverty. It emphasises the need for a paradigm shift from disease-specific interventions to holistic cross-cutting approaches coordinating with adjacent disciplines. The One Health approach exemplifies this shift, extending beyond a conventional model of zoonotic disease control to consider the interactions of human and animal health systems within their shared environment and the wider social and economic context. This approach can also promote sustainability and resilience within these systems. To achieve the global ambition on NTD elimination and control, political will, along with contextualised innovative scientific strategies, is required.

Background International organizations advocate for the elimination of dog-mediated rabies, but there is only limited guidance on interpreting surveillance data for managing elimination programmes. With the regional programme in Latin America approaching elimination of dog-mediated rabies, we aimed to develop a tool to evaluate the programme’s performance and generate locally-tailored rabies control programme management guidance to overcome remaining obstacles. Methods We developed and validated a robust algorithm to classify progress towards rabies elimination within sub-national administrative units, which we applied to surveillance data from Brazil and Mexico. The method combines criteria that are easy to understand, including logistic regression analysis of case detection time series, assessment of rabies virus variants, and of incursion risk. Subjecting the algorithm to robustness testing, we further employed simulated data sub-sampled at differing levels of case detection to assess the algorithm’s performance and sensitivity to surveillance quality. Results Our tool demonstrated clear epidemiological transitions in Mexico and Brazil: most states progressed rapidly towards elimination, but a few regressed due to incursions and control lapses. In 2015, dog-mediated rabies continued to circulate in the poorest states, with foci remaining in only 1 of 32 states in Mexico, and 2 of 27 in Brazil, posing incursion risks to the wider region. The classification tool was robust in determining epidemiological status irrespective of most levels of surveillance quality. In endemic settings, surveillance would need to detect less than 2.5% of all circulating cases to result in misclassification, whereas in settings where incursions become the main source of cases the threshold detection level for correct classification should not be less than 5%. Conclusion Our tool provides guidance on how to progress effectively towards elimination targets and tailor strategies to local epidemiological situations, while revealing insights into rabies dynamics. Post-campaign assessments of dog vaccination coverage in endemic states, and enhanced surveillance to verify and maintain freedom in states threatened by incursions were identified as priorities to catalyze progress towards elimination. Our finding suggests genomic surveillance should become increasingly valuable during the endgame for discriminating circulating variants and pinpointing sources of incursions.

Rabies transmitted by common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) has been known since the early 1900s but continues to expand geographically and in the range of species and environments affected. In this review, we present current knowledge of the epidemiology and management of rabies in D. rotundus and argue that it can be reasonably considered an emerging public health threat. We identify knowledge gaps related to the landscape determinants of the bat reservoir, reduction in bites on humans and livestock, and social barriers to prevention. We discuss how new technologies including autonomously-spreading vaccines and reproductive suppressants targeting bats might manage both rabies and undesirable growth of D. rotundus populations. Finally, we highlight widespread under-reporting of human and animal mortality and the scarcity of studies that quantify the efficacy of control measures such as bat culling. Collaborations between researchers and managers will be crucial to implement the next generation of rabies management in Latin America.

The analysis of zoonotic disease risk requires the consideration of both human and animal geo-referenced disease incidence data. Here we show an application of joint Bayesian analyses to the study of echinococcosis granulosus (EG) in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina. We focus on merging passive and active surveillance data sources of animal and human EG cases using joint Bayesian spatial and spatio-temporal models. While similar spatial clustering and temporal trending was apparent, there appears to be limited lagged dependence between animal and human outcomes. Beyond the data quality issues relating to missingness at different times, we were able to identify relations between dog and human data and the highest ‘at risk’ areas for echinococcosis within the province., Author summary This work focuses on utilizing animal disease data to try and inform our understanding of the spread of diseases in humans. We implement predictive models to estimate the relationship between the distribution of disease in animal populations and the distribution of disease in human populations. Development of a better understanding of this relationship could inform animal and public health interventions aiming to mitigate against human disease before it spreads. Missing data and limited data resources made discovery of these relationships difficult, but we fit multiple model types to try and identify any connection between these two populations. We found specific areas with elevated risk of human disease and changes in disease risk over time. Finally, there was some indication of an association between previous years’ levels of animal disease and human disease when using animals as covariables.

International audience; Domestic dogs are responsible for nearly all the »59,000 global human rabies deaths that occur annually. Numerous control measures have been successful at eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths in upper-income countries, including dog population management, parenteral dog vaccination programs, access to human rabies vaccines, and education programs for bite prevention and wound treatment. Implementing these techniques in resource-poor settings can be challenging; perhaps the greatest challenge is maintaining adequate herd immunity in free-roaming dog populations. Oral rabies vaccines have been a cornerstone in rabies virus elimination from wildlife populations; however, oral vaccines have never been effectively used to control dog-mediated rabies. Here, we convey the perspectives of the World Organisation for Animal Health Rabies Reference Laboratory Directors, the World Organisation for Animal Health expert committee on dog rabies control, and World Health Organization regarding the role of oral vaccines for dogs. We also issue recommendations for overcoming hesitations to expedited field use of appropriate oral vaccines.

Haiti has historically vaccinated between 100,000 and 300,000 dogs annually against rabies, however national authorities have not been able to reach and maintain the 70% coverage required to eliminate the canine rabies virus variant. Haiti conducts massive dog vaccination campaigns on an annual basis and utilizes both central point and door-to-door methods. These methods require that dog owners are aware of the dates and locations of the campaign. To improve this awareness among dog owners, 600,000 text messages were sent to phones in two Haitian communes (Gonaives and Saint-Marc) to remind dog owners to attend the campaign. Text messages were delivered on the second day and at the mid-point of the campaign. A post-campaign household survey was conducted to assess dog owner's perception of the text messages and the impact on their participation in the vaccination campaign. Overall, 147 of 160 (91.9%) text-receiving dog owners indicated the text was helpful, and 162 of 187 (86.6%) responding dog owners said they would like to receive text reminders during future rabies vaccination campaigns. In areas hosting one-day central point campaigns, dog owners who received the text were 2.0 (95% CI 1.1, 3.6) times more likely to have participated in the campaign (73.1% attendance among those who received the text vs 36.4% among those who did not). In areas incorporating door-to-door vaccination over multiple days there was no significant difference in participation between dog owners who did and did not receive a text. Text message reminders were well-received and significantly improved campaign attendance, indicating that short message service (SMS) alerts may be a successful strategy in low resource areas with large free roaming dog populations.

Haiti, a Caribbean country of 10.5 million people, is estimated to have the highest burden of canine-mediated human rabies deaths in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the highest rates of human rabies deaths in the world. Haiti is also the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has numerous economic and health priorities that compete for rabies-control resources. As a result, primary rabies-control actions, including canine vaccination programs, surveillance systems for human and animal rabies, and appropriate postbite treatment, have not been fully implemented at a national scale. After the 2010 earthquake that further hindered the development of public health program infrastructure and services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and key health development partners (including the Pan-American Health Organization) to provide technical expertise and funding for general disease surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and selected disease control programs; including rabies. In 2011, a cross-ministerial rabies consortium was convened with participation from multiple international rabies experts to develop a strategy for successful rabies control in Haiti. The consortium focused on seven pillars: 1) enhancement of laboratory diagnostic capacity, 2) development of comprehensive animal surveillance system, 3) development of comprehensive human rabies surveillance system, 4) educational outreach, 5) sustainable human rabies biologics supply, 6) achievement of sustained canine vaccination rates of ≥ 70%, and 7) finalization of a national rabies control strategy. From 2010 until 2015, Haiti has seen improvements in the program infrastructure for canine rabies control. The greatest improvements were seen in the area of animal rabies surveillance, in support of which an internationally recognized rabies laboratory was developed thereby leading to an 18-fold increase in the detection of rabid animals. Canine rabies vaccination practices also improved, from a 2010 level of approximately 12% to a 2015 dog population coverage level estimated to be 45%. Rabies vaccine coverage is still below the goal of 70%, however, the positive trend is encouraging. Gaps exist in the capacity to conduct national surveillance for human rabies cases and access to human rabies vaccine is lacking in many parts of the country. However, control has improved over the past 5 years as a result of the efforts of Haiti’s health and agriculture sectors with assistance from multiple international organizations. Haiti is well situated to eliminate canine-mediated human rabies deaths in the near future and should serve as a great example to many developing countries struggling with similar barriers and limitations.

An effective surveillance system is critical for the elimination of canine rabies in Latin America. Brazil has made substantial progress towards canine rabies elimination, but outbreaks still occurred in the last decade in two states. Brazil uses a health information system (SINAN) to record patients seeking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following contact with an animal suspected of having rabies. This study evaluated: (i) whether SINAN can be reliably used for rabies surveillance; (ii) if patients in Brazil are receiving appropriate PEP and (iii) the benefits of implementing the latest World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on PEP. Analysing SINAN records from 2008 to 2017 reveals an average of 506,148 bite-injury patients/year [range: 437k-545k] in the country, equivalent to an incidence of 255 bite-injuries/100,000 people/year [range: 231–280]. The number of reports of bites from suspect rabid dogs generally increased over time. In most states, records from SINAN indicating a suspect rabid dog do not correlate with confirmed dog rabies cases reported to the Regional Information System for Epidemiological Surveillance of Rabies (SIRVERA) maintained by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Analyses showed that in 2017, only 45% of patients received appropriate PEP as indicated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health guidance. Implementation of the latest WHO guidance using an abridged intradermal post-exposure vaccination regimen including one precautionary dose for dog bites prior to observation would reduce the volume of vaccine required by up to 64%, with potential for annual savings of over USD 6 million from reduced vaccine use. Our results highlight the need to improve the implementation of SINAN, including training of health workers responsible for delivering PEP using an Integrated Bite Case Management approach so that SINAN can serve as a reliable surveillance tool for canine rabies elimination., Author summary Dog-mediated rabies has declined to only a few cases in Latin America over the last decade. Brazil has the largest human and dog population of Latin America. Despite the decline of canine rabies, the country’s public health system still spends millions of dollars annually on half a million patients seeking health care for dog bites. In this study, we analysed a decade of national surveillance data on dog bites. These data suggest that health workers report dog rabies in many states where the disease is likely to be absent, with false positive cases frequently reported into the surveillance system. In addition, only half of patients appear to receive the appropriate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis as recommended by the Ministry of Health. We estimated that Brazil could save up to USD 6 million per annum on vaccine by reducing the number of doses administered during prophylaxis and adopting the intradermal vaccine delivery technique following the latest WHO recommendations. Our study highlights an urgent need for updating health care workers on canine rabies knowledge, prophylaxis and assessment of dog bites to improve prophylaxis provision and surveillance of dog rabies.

The situation of public laboratories manufacturing antivenoms in Latin America was analyzed, based on the results of a workshop coordinated by the Pan American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Center (PANAFTOSA) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Nine countries in the region have 12 public laboratories that produce and distribute antivenoms for use against different venomous animals. The situation of each laboratory was discussed, and an analysis was conducted of the current scenario, which is characterized by increasing regulatory requirements that vary in terms of infrastructure and production capacity. The authors identified a need to organize regional cooperation processes to improve the availability of antivenoms, including: research and development projects to improve processes and technologies; studies of the capacity of antivenoms to neutralize different poisons; and technical training programs for professionals and technical personnel. In the current context, in which the World Health Organization has prepared a global strategy for the prevention and control of snakebite envenoming, PANAFTOSA has taken on coordination of this initiative in the Americas. Improving the availability of antivenoms is the priority. As a result of the workshop, the RELAPA network was created, bringing together public laboratories that manufacture antivenoms in Latin America, in order to strengthen these laboratories and increase the availability of, and access to effective and safe antivenoms throughout Latin America.A situação dos laboratórios públicos produtores de soros antivenenos na América Latina foi analisada com base nas conclusões de um seminário coordenado pelo Centro Pan-Americano de Febre Aftosa (PANAFTOSA) da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). Em nove países da Região, encontram-se 12 laboratórios públicos que produzem e distribuem soros contra venenos de diferentes animais peçonhentos. Examinou-se a situação de cada laboratório, analisou-se o panorama atual marcado por crescentes demandas de regulação e pela heterogeneidade da infraestrutura e capacidade produtiva dos laboratórios e destacou-se a necessidade de um esforço concertado de cooperação regional com vistas a aumentar a disponibilidade de soros antivenenos, englobando projetos de pesquisa e desenvolvimento para o avanço dos processos e tecnologias, estudos do perfil da capacidade de neutralização dos soros contra diversos venenos e programas de capacitação técnica de profissionais e pessoal técnico. No contexto atual, em que uma estratégia mundial de prevenção e controle de acidentes ofídicos foi elaborada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e que a coordenação das ações relacionadas na Região das Américas foi assumida pelo PANAFTOSA, melhorar a disponibilidade de soros antivenenos é prioridade. Como resultado deste seminário, a Rede de Laboratórios Públicos Produtores de Soros Antivenenos da América Latina (RELAPA) foi formada com o objetivo de fortalecer os laboratórios e aumentar a disponibilidade e a acessibilidade de soros antivenenos eficazes e seguros em toda América Latina.

The forthcoming World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021-2030 recognises the complexity surrounding control and elimination of these 20 diseases of poverty. It emphasises the need for a paradigm shift from disease-specific interventions to holistic cross-cutting approaches coordinating with adjacent disciplines. The One Health approach exemplifies this shift, extending beyond a conventional model of zoonotic disease control to consider the interactions of human and animal health systems within their shared environment and the wider social and economic context. This approach can also promote sustainability and resilience within these systems. To achieve the global ambition on NTD elimination and control, political will, along with contextualised innovative scientific strategies, is required.

Rabies virus is the only Lyssavirus species found in the Americas. In discussions about rabies, Latin America and the Caribbean are often grouped together. Our study aimed to independently analyse the rabies situation in the Caribbean and examine changes in rabies spatiotemporal epidemiology. A questionnaire was administered to the 33 member countries and territories of the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET) to collect current data, which was collated with a literature review. Rabies was endemic in ten Caribbean localities, with the dog, mongoose, and vampire bat identified as enzootic reservoirs. The majority of animal cases occurred in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, while human cases only consistently occurred in the latter two areas. Rabies vaccination was conducted for high-risk animal populations with variable coverage, and rabies diagnostic capacities varied widely throughout the region. Illegal importation and natural migration of animals may facilitate the introduction of rabies virus variants into virus-na&iuml, ve areas. Passive surveillance, together with enhanced methods and serological screening techniques, can therefore be of value. The insularity of the Caribbean makes it ideal for conducting pilot studies on reservoir host population management. Best practice guidelines developed for these reservoir hosts can be individually modified to the epidemiological status and available resources within each locality.

Through national efforts and regional cooperation under the umbrella of the Regional Program for the Elimination of Rabies, dog and human rabies have decreased significantly in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) countries over the last three decades. To achieve this decline, LAC countries had to develop national plans, and consolidate capabilities such as regular mass dog vaccination, opportune post-exposure prophylaxis and sensitive surveillance. This paper presents longitudinal data for 21 LAC countries on dog vaccination, PEP and rabies surveillance collected from the biannual regional meeting for rabies directors from 1998–2014 and from the Regional Epidemiologic Surveillance System for Rabies (SIRVERA). Differences in human and dog rabies incidence rates and dog vaccination rates were shown between low, middle and high-income countries. At the peak, over 50 million dogs were vaccinated annually in national campaigns in the countries represented. The reported number of animal exposures remained fairly stable during the study period with an incidence rate ranging from 123 to 191 reported exposures per 100,000 people. On average, over 2 million doses of human vaccine were applied annually. In the most recent survey, only 37% of countries reported that they had sufficient financial resources to meet the program objectives. The data show a sufficient and sustained effort of the LAC countries in the area of dog vaccination and provide understanding of the baseline effort required to reduce dog-mediated rabies incidence., Author summary Globally, dog-mediated rabies kills over 55,000 people on an annual basis and disproportionally affects socio-economically disadvantaged populations. For over 4 decades, the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region have worked towards the elimination of dog-mediated rabies succeeding in a substantial reduction of both human and dog rabies cases. This paper summarizes the last 15 years of the national and regional rabies elimination efforts, through a series of performance indicators, including government mass dog vaccination campaigns and post-exposure prophylaxis for humans. The most important message from the tail of the rabies epidemic in the LAC Region is one of endurance by the countries and the region to achieve rabies control and elimination. The performance indicators shown in this paper are tools for the LAC region to evaluate its progress and refine its approach, and for other regions to understand the scope of the effort required to reach elimination.

The direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), is performed in all rabies reference laboratories across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Despite DFA being a critical capacity in the control of rabies, there is not a standardized protocol in the region. We describe the results of the first inter-laboratory proficiency exercise of national rabies laboratories in LAC countries as part of the regional efforts towards dog-maintained rabies elimination in the American region. Twenty three laboratories affiliated to the Ministries of Health and Ministries of Agriculture participated in this exercise. In addition, the laboratories completed an online questionnaire to assess laboratory practices. Answers to the online questionnaire indicated large variability in the laboratories throughput, equipment used, protocols availability, quality control standards and biosafety requirements. Our results will inform actions to improve and harmonize laboratory rabies capacities across LAC in support for the regional efforts towards elimination of dog-maintained rabies., Author summary The incidence of dog-maintained rabies in Latin America has showed a significant reduction in the last 30 years. Although several countries have achieved its elimination there are still focalized areas in the region where rabies remain endemic. Many factors, including poverty, geographic and environmental features, as well as social, cultural, political and economic variables, have limited the effective implementation of canine rabies control programs in these endemic areas. Critical to the goal of control and elimination of rabies is a robust laboratory diagnostic capacity. This report presents the results of an Inter-laboratory proficiency testing exercise for rabies diagnosis by direct fluorescent antibody test among laboratories across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Our results indicate that although all laboratories can perform the direct fluorescent antibody test, there are substantial differences in the overall results and test interpretation. This study identified important gaps in standardization and/or harmonization between laboratories which could be overcome and corrected with appropriate DFA protocols standardized across the LAC, including its broad distribution and proper training.

Background In recent years, global public health security has been threatened by zoonotic disease emergence as exemplified by outbreaks of H5N1 and H1N1 influenza, SARS, and most recently Ebola and Zika. Additionally, endemic zoonoses, such as rabies, burden countries year after year, placing demands on limited finances and personnel. To survey the baseline status of the emerging and endemic zoonoses programmes of the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) conducted a survey of priority emerging and endemic zoonoses, countries´ prioritization criteria and methodologies, and suggestions to strengthen countries capacities and regional approaches to zoonoses control. Methods A fillable online questionnaire was sent to the zoonoses programme managers of the Ministries of Health (MOH) and Ministries of Agriculture (MAg) of 33 LAC countries from January to April of 2015. The questionnaire comprised 36 single, multiple choice and open-ended questions to inform the objectives of the survey. A descriptive exploratory analysis was completed. Results Fifty-four ministries (26 MOH, 25 MAg, and 3 combined responses) in 31 LAC countries responded to the survey. Within the ministries, 22 (85%) MOH, 5 (20%) MAg, and 2 (67%) combined entities indicated they had specialized zoonoses units. For endemic zoonoses, 32 of 54 ministries responded that they conduct formal prioritization exercises, most of them annually (69%). The three priority endemic zoonoses for the MOHs were leptospirosis, rabies, and brucellosis while the three priorities for the MAgs were brucellosis, rabies, and tuberculosis. Diagnosis for rabies and leptospirosis were cited as the capacities most in need of development. The most needed cross-cutting capacity was coordination between stakeholders. For emerging zoonoses, 28 ministries performed formal prioritization exercises. The top prioritization criteria were probability of introduction into the country and impact. The three priority emerging zoonoses for the MOHs were Ebola viral disease, avian influenza, and Chikungunya while for the MAgs were avian influenza, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and West Nile virus disease. Surveillance for avian influenza and Ebola, and diagnosis for BSE were quoted as the capacities most needed. For all zoonoses, the majority of respondents (69%) ranked their relationship with the other Ministry as productive or very productive, and 31% minimally productive. Many countries requested a formal regional network, better regional communication and collaboration, and integrated surveillance. Conclusions The survey is the first comprehensive effort to date to inform the status of zoonoses programmes in LAC. The information collected here will be used to develop a regional strategy for zoonoses (both endemic and emerging), increase efforts, advocacy, and promote prompt identification and management of EIDs and improvement of endemic programmes.

In Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, the number of cases of dog-mediated human rabies is at its lowest since the onset of the Regional Programme for Rabies Elimination in 1983, a commitment from LAC countries to eliminate dog-mediated rabies coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Despite minor setbacks, the decline in the number of human cases has been constant since 1983. While many LAC countries have significantly reduced rabies to a level where it is no longer of significant public health concern, elimination has proven elusive and pockets of the disease remain across the Region. In the 33-year period since 1983 the Region has set and committed to four dates for elimination (1990, 2000, 2012, and 2015). In this paper, we ponder on the multiple causes behind the elusive goal of rabies elimination, such as blanket regional goals oblivious to the large heterogeneity in national rabies capacities. Looking ahead to the elimination of dog mediated rabies in the Region, now established for 2022, we also review the many challenges and questions that the Region faces in the last mile of the epidemic. Given the advanced position of the Americas in the race towards elimination, our considerations could provide valuable knowledge to other regions pursuing elimination goals.

BackgroundWith a global target set for zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and some regional programmes close to eliminating canine rabies, there is an urgent need for enhanced surveillance strategies suitable for declaring freedom from disease and elimination of transmission with known confidence.MethodsUsing exhaustive contact tracing across settings in Tanzania we generated detailed data on rabies incidence, rabid dog biting behaviour and health-seeking behaviour of bite victims. Using these data we compared case detection of sampling-based and enhanced surveillance methodologies and investigated elimination verification procedures.FindingsWe demonstrate that patients presenting to clinics with bite injuries are sensitive sentinels for identifying dog rabies cases. Triage of patients based on bite history criteria and investigation of suspicious incidents can confirm >10% of dog rabies cases and is an affordable approach that will enable validation of disease freedom following two years without case detection. Approaches based on sampling the dog population without using bite-injury follow-up were found to be neither sensitive nor cost-effective.InterpretationThe low prevalence of rabies, and short window in which disease can be detected, preclude sampling-based surveillance. Instead, active case finding guided by bite-patient triage is needed as elimination is approached. Our proposed methodology is affordable, practical and supports the goal of eliminating human rabies deaths by improving administration of lifesaving post-exposure prophylaxis for genuinely exposed but untreated contacts. Moreover, joint investigations by public health and veterinary workers will strengthen intersectoral partnerships and capacity for control of emerging zoonoses.

To review the safety and immunogenicity of pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis (including accelerated schedules, co-administration with other vaccines and booster doses), its cost-effectiveness and recommendations for use, particularly in high-risk settings.We searched the PubMed, Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for papers on pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis published between 2007 and 29 January 2016. We reviewed field data from pre-exposure prophylaxis campaigns in Peru and the Philippines.Pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis was safe and immunogenic in children and adults, also when co-administered with routine childhood vaccinations and the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. The evidence available indicates that shorter regimens and regimens involving fewer doses are safe and immunogenic and that booster intervals could be extended up to 10 years. The few studies on cost suggest that, at current vaccine and delivery costs, pre-exposure prophylaxis campaigns would not be cost-effective in most situations. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis has been advocated for high-risk populations, only Peru and the Philippines have implemented appropriate national programmes. In the future, accelerated regimens and novel vaccines could simplify delivery and increase affordability.Pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis is safe and immunogenic and should be considered: (i) where access to postexposure prophylaxis is limited or delayed; (ii) where the risk of exposure is high and may go unrecognized; and (iii) where controlling rabies in the animal reservoir is difficult. Pre-exposure prophylaxis should not distract from canine vaccination efforts, provision of postexposure prophylaxis or education to increase rabies awareness in local communities.Analyser l'innocuité et l'immunogénicité de la prophylaxie pré-exposition à la rage (notamment le schéma de vaccination accéléré, la co-administration d'autres vaccins et les injections de rappel), son rapport coût-efficacité ainsi que les recommandations d'utilisation, en particulier dans les zones à haut risque.Nous avons recherché, dans les bases de données de PubMed, du Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, de la Cochrane Library et de Web of Science, des articles sur la prophylaxie pré-exposition à la rage publiés entre 2007 et le 29 janvier 2016. Nous avons aussi analysé des données de terrain provenant de campagnes pour la prophylaxie pré-exposition menées au Pérou et aux Philippines.La prophylaxie pré-exposition à la rage était sûre et immunogène pour les enfants et les adultes, même co-administrée avec les vaccins systématiques des enfants et le vaccin contre l'encéphalite japonaise. Les éléments disponibles indiquent que les programmes de vaccination plus courts ainsi que ceux comportant des doses plus faibles sont sûrs et immunogènes et que les intervalles de rappel pourraient aller jusqu'à 10 ans. Selon les rares études sur les coûts, en tenant compte du coût actuel des vaccins et de leur administration, dans la plupart des cas, les campagnes pour la prophylaxie pré-exposition ne seraient pas rentables. Même s’il a été recommandé d’appliquer une prophylaxie pré-exposition dans les populations à haut risque, seuls le Pérou et les Philippines ont mis en œuvre des programmes nationaux à cet égard. Dans l'avenir, des schémas de vaccination accélérés et de nouveaux vaccins pourraient en simplifier l'administration, à des prix plus abordables.La prophylaxie pré-exposition à la rage est sûre et immunogène et devrait être envisagée: (i) lorsque l'accès à la prophylaxie post-exposition est limité ou tardif; (ii) lorsque le risque d'exposition est élevé et pourrait passer inaperçu; et (iii) lorsqu'il est difficile de lutter contre la rage dans le réservoir animal. La prophylaxie pré-exposition ne doit pas empêcher les efforts de vaccination des chiens, la prophylaxie post-exposition ou la sensibilisation à la prévention de la rage dans les communautés locales.Analizar la seguridad y la inmunogenicidad de la profilaxis pre exposición a la rabia (incluidos programas acelerados, administración conjunta con otras vacunas y dosis de refuerzo), su rentabilidad y las recomendaciones de uso, especialmente en entornos de alto riesgo.Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed, el Centro Internacional de Agricultura y Ciencias Biológicas, la Biblioteca Cochrane y la base de datos de la Web of Science en busca de documentos sobre la profilaxis pre exposición a la rabia publicados entre 2007 y el 29 de enero de 2016. Se analizaron datos archivados de campañas de profilaxis pre exposición en Filipinas y Perú.La profilaxis pre exposición a la rabia era segura e inmunogénica en niños y adultos, también cuando se administraba en conjunto con vacunas infantiles rutinarias y la vacuna de la encefalitis japonesa. Las pruebas disponibles indican que los regímenes más cortos y los que implican un menor número de dosis son seguros e inmunogénicos, y que los intervalos de refuerzo podrían ampliarse hasta 10 años. Los pocos estudios sobre el coste sugieren que, con los costes actuales de vacunación y suministro, las campañas de profilaxis pre exposición no serían rentables en la mayoría de las situaciones. A pesar de que la profilaxis pre exposición está destinada para poblaciones de alto riesgo, únicamente Filipinas y Perú han implementado los programas nacionales adecuados. En el futuro, los regímenes acelerados y las nuevas vacunas podrían simplificar el suministro y aumentar la asequibilidad.La profilaxis pre exposición a la rabia es segura e inmunogénica y debe tenerse en cuenta: (i) cuando el acceso a la profilaxis post exposición sea limitada o se retrase; (ii) cuando el riesgo de exposición sea alto y pueda pasar desapercibido; y (iii) cuando sea complicado controlar la rabia en una reserva animal. La profilaxis pre exposición no debe apartar la atención de las vacunas caninas, el suministro de profilaxis post exposición o la educación para aumentar la concienciación sobre la rabia en comunidades locales.مراجعة عوامل الأمان والاستمناع القرينة بإجراءات الوقاية الطبية السابقة على التعرض لمرض السُعار (داء الكلب) (بما يشمل الجداول الزمنية المعجّلة، وتقديم الأدوية مع غيرها من التحصينات والجرعات المنشطة)، وفعالية التكلفة والتوصيات الخاصة بالاستعمال، وخاصةً في البيئات عالية الخطورة.قمنا بالبحث في قواعد بيانات PubMed، والمركز الدولي للزراعة والعلوم الحيوية، ومكتبة Cochrane وشبكة العلوم لإيجاد دراسات تتعلق بإجراءات الوقاية الطبية السابقة على التعرض لمرض السُعار والتي يعود تاريخ نشرها إلى الفترة ما بين 2007 و29 كانون الثاني/يناير 2016. وقمنا بمراجعة البيانات الميدانية المأخوذة من حملات الوقاية الطبية السابقة على التعرض لمرض السُعار التي تمت في بيرو والفلبين.كانت الوقاية الطبية السابقة على التعرض لمرض السُعار تراعي عوامل الأمان والاستمناع لدى الأطفال والكبار، وعند تقديمها مع التحصينات الروتينية المقدمة في مرحلة الطفولة ومع تحصين التهاب الدماغ الياباني. وتشير الأدلة المتوفرة إلى أن البرامج العلاجية الأقصر والبرامج العلاجية التي تعتمد على تقديم جرعات أقل تراعي عوامل الأمان والاستمناع، وكان من الممكن إطالة الفترات الزمنية ما بين الجرعات المنشطة إلى ما يصل إلى 10 سنوات. وتشير الدراسات القليلة حول التكلفة إلى أن حملات الوقاية الطبية السابقة على التعرض للمرض لن تكون ذات تكلفة فعالة في أغلب المواقف بالنظر إلى النفقات الحالية للتحصينات وتقديمها. وعلى الرغم من الدعوة إلى تقديم الوقاية الطبية السابقة على التعرض للمرض للقطاعات السكانية المعرضة لدرجة عالية من الخطورة، فقد اقتصر الأمر على بيرو والفلبين في تطبيق البرامج الوطنية الملائمة. ويمكن في المستقبل تقديم أنظمة علاجية معجلة وتحصينات مستجدة لتبسيط عملية تقديم الخدمة ورفع مستوى الكفاءة في التكلفة.تراعي الوقاية السابقة على التعرض لداء السُعار عوامل الأمان والاستمناع ويُنصح بالالتفات إليها: (ا) إذا ما تعذرت سبل الحصول على الوقاية العلاجية بعد التعرض للمرض أو تأخرت، و(ب) إذا ما كانت مخاطر التعرض عالية ولا تلقى حقها من الاهتمام، و(جـ) إذا ما استعصت السيطرة على السُعار في ملاجئ الحيوانات. ولا ينبغي للوقاية السابقة على التعرض للمرض أن تنتقص من جهود تحصين الكلاب، أو الوقاية اللاحقة على التعرض له، أو التوعية لزيادة الوعي بداء السُعار في المجتمعات المحلية.为了审查狂犬病暴露前预防（包括加速治疗，与其他疫苗联合施药及加强剂量）的安全性与免疫原性，以及其成本效益和可推荐使用性，尤其是在高发地区。.我们在美国国立医学图书馆 (PubMed)、国际农业和生物研究中心 (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)、考科蓝图书馆 (Cochrane Library) 以及 Web of Science 数据库中查找了 2007 年至 2016 年 1 月 29 日期间刊发的与狂犬病暴露前预防相关的论文。此外，我们还回顾了秘鲁与菲律宾暴露前预防运动的现场数据。.狂犬病暴露前预防在儿童与成人人群中具有安全性和免疫原性，此外在与其他儿童常规疫苗接种及流行性乙型脑炎疫苗联合用药时也能发挥其安全性与免疫原性。 现有证据表明短期及少剂量方案具有安全性和免疫原性，其加强剂量间隔可延长至 10 年。 少数成本研究表明，多数情况下，当前疫苗及其配送成本以及暴露前预防活动的成本效益不高。 尽管早已提倡针对高危人群采用暴露前预防，但仅有秘鲁与菲律宾实施了适当的国家项目。 未来，快速治疗方案及新型疫苗将有可能简化配送流程并提高可承受性。.狂犬病暴露前预防具有安全性和免疫原性，应考虑： (i) 暴露后预防受限或滞后的地方；(ii) 暴露风险高且尚未发现的地方；以及 (iii) 控制狂犬病动物宿主困难的地方。 暴露前预防不应转移犬只疫苗的接种工作，此外还应提供接触后预防或教育以提高当地社区的狂犬病意识。.Проанализировать безопасность и иммуногенность доконтактной профилактики бешенства (в том числе ускоренный курс вакцинации, назначение с другими вакцинами и ревакцинации), ее экономическую эффективность и рекомендации по применению, особенно в условиях высокого риска.Авторы осуществили поиск статей по доконтактной профилактике бешенства, опубликованных между 2007 годом и 29 января 2016 года, в базах данных PubMed, Международного центра по сельскому хозяйству и биологическим наукам (CABI), Кокрановской библиотеки и Web of Science. Авторы проанализировали данные, полученные в рабочих условиях в ходе кампаний по доконтактной профилактике бешенства в Перу и на Филиппинах.Доконтактная профилактика бешенства была безопасной и способной вызывать иммунный ответ у детей и взрослых, в том числе в сочетании с плановой иммунизацией детей и вакцинацией против японского энцефалита. На основании доступных данных можно сделать вывод о том, что более короткие курсы и курсы с использованием меньшего количества доз безопасны, вызывают иммунный ответ и интервалы ревакцинации могут быть увеличены до 10 лет. Судя по результатам немногочисленных анализов расходов, при текущих затратах на вакцинацию применение имеющейся в настоящее время вакцины в кампаниях по доконтактной профилактике не было бы экономически эффективно в большинстве случаев. Хотя доконтактная профилактика рекомендуется для групп населения, подвергающихся высокому риску, соответствующие национальные программы были внедрены только в Перу и на Филиппинах. В будущем ускоренные курсы лечения и новые вакцины, возможно, позволят упростить выполнение вакцинации и повысить ее ценовую доступность.Доконтактная профилактика бешенства безопасна, способна вызвать иммунный ответ и должна быть рекомендована: 1) когда доступ к постконтактной профилактике ограничен или предоставляется несвоевременно; 2) когда риск заражения велик или может быть не распознан; 3) когда борьба с бешенством у животных-носителей затруднительна. Доконтактная профилактика бешенства не должна быть поводом для отказа от мероприятий по вакцинации собак, проведения постконтактной профилактики или информационно-просветительской работы для привлечения внимания местного населения к проблеме бешенства.

This study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. Ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. The results showed Enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. The microorganisms isolated were Hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), Serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), Escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and Citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). All eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. Hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.

The region of the Americas pledged to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies by 2015. After 30 years of sustained efforts, regional elimination appears possible as dog-mediated human rabies cases are at an all-time low, and a number of countries and territories have already eliminated the disease. In this setting, there is an opportunity to generate a framework to support countries strategies in the achievement and maintenance of rabies-free status (RFS). To this end, we describe the development of a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model to help the evaluation of rabies programmes and the identification of the best investment strategy for countries and territories to improve and efficiently maintain their rabies status. The model contemplates human and animal related capacities, six in each area, to comprehensively assess the wide scope of rabies programmes. An initial elicitation of expert opinion of values and weights for the MCDA model was performed via a web-based questionnaire. Even at this pilot stage, the model produces comparable capacity-scores, and overall (combined for public and animal health areas) as well as area-specific investment strategies. The model is being developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as part of the regional efforts towards dog-mediated human rabies elimination and will be presented to the countries for review, refinement, contextualization, and testing. The aspiration is that countries use the model to identify the best allocation of resources towards the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies.

Rabies is a prime example of a neglected tropical disease that mostly affects communities suffering from inequitable health care [1]. The false perception that rabies impacts on society are low is due to case under-reporting and limited awareness of the disease burden [2], [3]. Effective tools for elimination of terrestrial rabies are available [4]. While the sustained deployment of these tools has led to some remarkably successful interventions [5], [6], canine rabies continues to claim lives in rabies-endemic countries and areas of re-emergence, where >95% of human deaths occur as a result of bites by rabid domestic dogs [7], [8]. Control programs targeting dogs can effectively reduce the risk of rabies to humans [3], [9]. However, the design and implementation of such programs still pose considerable challenges to local governments, and a lack of easy-to-use guidelines has been identified as an important reason for this. Global rabies experts from the Partners for Rabies Prevention have therefore gathered to translate evidence-based knowledge on rabies control into user-friendly guidelines. Existing information obtained from different sources, including previously published guidelines by international health and animal welfare organizations and scientific findings, has been packaged into a novel online document, the Blueprint for Rabies Prevention and Control (http://www.rabiesblueprint.com), which we describe herewith.

To the Editor: Rabies incidence in Latin America and the Caribbean has decreased and several countries (Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama) and areas of Peru, Brazil, and Argentina are free of human rabies transmitted by dogs, although there are certain areas to which this disease is still endemic (1). Coordinated actions for regional elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs began in 1983 in Latin America and the Caribbean with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This effort has led to an ≈90% reduction of human and canine rabies (2). In this region, rabies is associated with poverty and considered a neglected disease (3). Resolution 19 of the 49th Directing Council of PAHO in 2009 regarding neglected diseases and other infections related to poverty set a target for eliminating human rabies transmitted by dogs by 2015. PAHO is currently developing strategies to assist countries during this period (4). Since 2010, a total of 111 human rabies cases transmitted by bats, dogs, and other animal species were reported from Latin America and the Caribbean: 40 transmitted by dogs and 63 by bats (Table). Although a major reduction in human rabies transmitted by dogs was observed in 2010 (only 6 cases), the total number of cases increased to 24 in 2011; most were confirmed by laboratory testing. Table Cases of human rabies in 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2010–2012* The higher risk areas for human rabies transmitted by dogs, for which more collaboration and financial support are urgently needed, are Haiti, Bolivia, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and parts of Brazil (Maranhao State) and Peru (Puno Region). Unfavorable conditions in which persons in these areas are living limit control strategies and maintain rabies transmission (3). According to the PAHO Epidemiologic Surveillance System for Rabies, during 2010–2012, Bolivia and Haiti had the highest incidence of human rabies transmitted by dogs in the Western Hemisphere: 15% (6/40) and 40% (16/40) of all cases, respectively (5). Many factors, including national disasters and social, cultural, and economic factors, have interfered with canine rabies control programs in these countries. Bolivia has a population of 10 million, and 60.0% of the population is considered below the national poverty line. This country has poor suburbs on the outskirts of large cities, with large populations of unowned dogs and limited resources to implement dog mass vaccination campaigns and animal birth control programs. Haiti has a population of >10 million, and 77% of the population is considered below the national poverty line. In 2010, Haiti was devastated by a major earthquake that affected all sectors, including laboratory diagnosis for rabies (6). After the earthquake, the country was struck by a cholera epidemic. Financial resources have been diverted to control such priorities and to provide humanitarian aid. Haiti and Bolivia heavily depend on technical cooperation and donations from other governments or institutions, and are a high priority for elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs (7). Another challenge for Latin America and the Caribbean is development of a common strategy for preventing human rabies transmitted by bats, especially in remote areas in the Amazon region (Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil) and Mexico (7), from which 97% of human rabies cases were reported during this period. Since 2000, vampire bats have been the leading cause of human rabies in Latin America and the Caribbean (8). Comparison of data for 2010–2012 with data for the previous 3 years shows a 5.2% increase in bat-transmitted human rabies, especially during 2011, which accounted for ≈53% of reports during the past 3 years (5). Bats have been identified as a reservoir for many Lyssavirus spp. genotypes, and the geographic distribution of variants has been associated with climate changes and ecologic imbalances. Spread of bats has been facilitated by human-made shelters near human dwellings (9). Although rabies control in Latin America and the Caribbean has been successful, certain approaches currently used, such as mass vaccination campaigns for dogs, postexposure prophylaxis, and epidemiologic surveillance, require improvement in some countries. In addition, allocation of resources is needed to enhance national programs to eliminate human rabies transmitted by dogs. PAHO is responsible for coordination and technical cooperation of the Rabies Elimination Program and Operation of the Epidemiologic Surveillance System for Rabies. For the past 60 years, the Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease/PAHO has accumulated capabilities to develop national programs for zoonoses prevention and control, particularly for rabies elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean. Strengthening regional, national, and subnational rabies control programs must be a priority. The decision in Latin America and the Caribbean to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies began in 1983 and involved strong political commitment with multinational efforts, as well as support and coordination of other international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. This interinstitutional collaboration is needed to promote prevention and control activities to achieve the elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs in the Western Hemisphere by 2015.

Human rabies transmitted by dogs is considered a neglected disease that can be eliminated in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by 2015. The aim of this paper is to discuss canine rabies policies and projections for LAC regarding current strategies for achieving this target and to critically review the political, economic and geographical factors related to the successful elimination of this deadly disease in the context of the difficulties and challenges of the region. The strong political and technical commitment to control rabies in LAC in the 1980s, started with the regional programme coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization. National and subnational programmes involve a range of strategies including mass canine vaccination with more than 51 million doses of canine vaccine produced annually, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, improvements in disease diagnosis and intensive surveillance. Rabies incidence in LAC has dramatically declined over the last few decades, with laboratory confirmed dog rabies cases decreasing from approximately 25 000 in 1980 to less than 300 in 2010. Dog-transmitted human rabies cases also decreased from 350 to less than 10 during the same period. Several countries have been declared free of human cases of dog-transmitted rabies, and from the 35 countries in the Americas, there is now only notification of human rabies transmitted by dogs in seven countries (Bolivia, Peru, Honduras, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and some states in north and northeast Brazil). Here, we emphasize the importance of the political commitment in the final progression towards disease elimination. The availability of strategies for rabies control, the experience of most countries in the region and the historical ties of solidarity between countries with the support of the scientific community are evidence to affirm that the elimination of dog-transmitted rabies can be achieved in the short term. The final efforts to confront the remaining obstacles, like achieving and sustaining high vaccination coverage in communities that are most impoverished or in remote locations, are faced by countries that struggle to allocate sufficient financial and human resources for rabies control. Continent-wide cooperation is therefore required in the final efforts to secure the free status of remaining countries in the Americas, which is key to the regional elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs.