ASPECTS OF RABIES EPIDEMIOLOGY IN TSUMKWE DISTRICT, NAMIBIA

Aspects of rabies epidemiology were investigated in the Tsumkwe Distri ct, Namibia, during December 1993 and January 1994. A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey for rabies antibodies was carried out in do mestic (n = 70) and wild dogs [Lycaon pictus (n = 6)]. An overall sero prevalence rate of 30 % was found in domestic dogs, but it must be bor ne in mind that seroconversion can result from infections from either rabies or rabies-related viruses. Older dogs were more likely to be se ropositive and there was spatial and temporal clustering of seropositi vity. No wild dogs were found seropositive. A demographic survey of th e domestic-dog population in the area showed that the total dog-popula tion size was 132, or 0,027 dogs per km(2). The dog population consist ed mainly of young dogs with a median age of 1,5 years, and had a fema le bias of 0,63 males per female. Questionnaire surveys suggested that spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and black-backed jackals (Canis mes omelas) were the most common larger carnivores found in and around vil lages, and that dogs were kept mainly for guarding.