First Reported Case of Dog Associated Cattle Rabies in Koinadugu District, Northern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Cattle rabies is uncommon and often associated with vampire bats, dog and foxes however there is paucity of information on this 
condition in other West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated cattle rabies
in Koinadugu district, Sierra Leone. Case history, antirabies vaccination and dog management assessment in adjoining 
communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected cattle were evaluated using standard techniques. 
Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Real time polymerase chain reaction technique. Stray dog bitten affected 
cattle showed anorexia, barking, hyper excitation, hydrophobia, foaming and paralysis with resultant category 1 and 11 human 
exposure, 7.6% mortality and 100% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of cattle brain specimens tested positive for Rabies 
virus. This report described the first documented case of dog associated cattle rabies in Sierra Leone. This communication 
emphasizes on continued advocacy for antirabies vaccination and education of herdsmen and community on proper dog 
management.