Epidemiology of rabies in Bhutan: geographical information system-based analysis

摘要

In this study, the spatio-temporal patterns of rabies in domestic animals in Bhutan is described. Surveillance data were analysed using a geographical information system and traditional and spatial statistics. Rabies cases in animals (mostly dogs andcattle) were mainly reported in the southern parts of Bhutan, bordering India. The trend of reported cases was relatively stable until 2005, but increased during both 2006 and 2008, due to major outbreaks in eastern and south-west Bhutan. Significant clusters (P < 0.05) of high numbers of cases were observed in south-central and southwest Bhutan. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) spatial correlation between reported cases in dogs and in cattle. The rabies prevention programme should be focused onthe highly endemic areas of southern Bhutan. Mass vaccination of dogs in this region would create an immune buffer (cordon sanitaire; and prevent rabies incursions into the interior of Bhutan.