Rabies Immunization Status of Dogs, Beijing, China

摘要

To the Editor: In the People's Republic of China, >3,000 persons die of rabies each year; most were infected by dog bites (1). Since 2000, the dog population in Beijing has increased dramatically, and the exact vaccination coverage and immunization status of dogs are not known. During 2006–2009, to assist with governmental rabies control, Fengtai District was selected as a geographically representative area in Beijing in which to conduct a survey of rabies antibody titers in domestic dogs. Blood samples were randomly collected from 4,775 dogs in Fengtai District, which account for 3% of all registered dogs in the district. Rabies virus neutralization antibody (VNA) titers were detected by . uorescent antibody virus neutralization (2). In brief, VNA titers >0.5 IU indicated positive immunization, implying that the dog had an adequate level of antibody, and VNA <0.5 IU indicated negative immunization (3). The data were analyzed by 2-tailed χ2test; p<0.05 was considered signifi cant. Vaccination coverage and antibody levels were categorized either by dog's function (guard or pet) or residence (urban or suburban) (Figure).