Incidence of rabies virus complement-fixing antibodies in unvaccinated dogs, humans and livestock in Anambra State of Nigeria.

A total of 376 serum samples from dogs, humans and livestock were examined for complement-fixing (CF) antibodies against rabies virus. High CF antibody titres (up to 1:1024) were detected among unvaccinated dogs aged 3 months and above as in vaccinated ones, thus establishing endemicity of the virus in the area. An antibody titre of 1:128 was detected in the serum of a puppy aged below 3 months and is unlikely to be due to residual maternal antibodies. It rather provides evidence for seroconversion at that age and further establishes endemicity of the virus. Moderate to high CF antibody titres (greater than or equal to 1:64) were detected in 44.9% of the unvaccinated dogs, 6.3% of the cattle and 2.8% of the humans. These antibody titres indicate either exposure to rabies virus or inapparent infection by rabies-related viruses.