Abstract
ObjectiveThe objective of this survey was to study vaccination coverage andquality in dogs in Georgia through the detection of post-vaccinationantibodies.IntroductionRabies is endemic in Georgia with up to 100 confirmed cases inanimals per year. There is an estimated 350,000 domestic and straydogs/cats in Georgia. The prophylactic vaccination of domesticanimals against rabies was reestablished in Georgia in 2013. Each yearsince 2013, coverage has increased aiming to cover approximately70% of the total population of dogs/cats in Georgia.MethodsOnly vaccinated dog populations were included in the sero-survey. Using random selection, five locations were selected. Thesurvey was conducted over a period of 4-8 weeks after vaccination.In order to study vaccination coverage, the total dog population wasregistered. Samples were taken only from vaccinated dogs (confirmedby vaccination papers) and samples were sent to the Laboratory ofthe Ministry of Agriculture where they were tested for the presenceof antibodies using ELISA. Epidemiological information and GPScoordinates were recorded in the electronic integrated diseasesurveillance system (EIDSS) and geographic information system(GIS).ResultsOut of 572 dogs in sampled villages, 373 animal’s vaccination wasconfirmed leading to 65% vaccination coverage. Out of 255 samples,241 were suitable for testing; 237 samples (98.3%) were positive forthe existence of antibodies. Antibody titer was not measured.ConclusionsBased on the results of the survey, it can be seen that vaccinationcoverage is generally not high (65%) and needs improvement.The vaccination quality (as determined through the existence ofantibodies) is good (98.3%). In further surveys, antibody titersmust be measured in order to extract more information regardingvaccination quality.