Prevalence of rabies antigen in brain tissue of slaughtered dogs and public health factors associated with dog processing in Billiri, Gombe State, Nigeria

Detection of rabies antigen in brain tissues of slaughtered dogs for human consumption could be an interface in rabies transmission from slaughtered dogs to the processors. This study determined the presence of rabies antigen in brain tissues of slaughtered dogs for human consumption in Billiri, Gombe State and the public health factors associated with dog processing in the study area.Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the presence of rabies antigen in 118 brain tissues of slaughtered dogs using direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) and Pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to 56 dog processors to assess possible public health risks factors associated with dog processing in the study area.Results: Result revealed 9 (7.6%) of dog brain tissues were positive for rabies antigen. Dogs sourced from Borno had higher prevalence 11.4%, than Yobe and Gombe with 7.7% and 7.0% respectively. Out of the 56 respondents involved in the study, 38 (67.9%) were bitten by dogs and none received post-exposure vaccination against rabies. There was statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between the nerve tissue splashing, cuts incurred during dog processing and dog bite. Majority 51 (91.1%) of the respondents’ preferred traditional method of bite wound treatment following dog bite.Significance: The presence of rabies antigen detected in slaughtered dogs poses risks of exposure to dog processors in Billiri, Gombe State. There is need for adequate public health education on rabies prevention and anti-rabies vaccination of all dog processors in the area.