Effect of rabies booster vaccination on antibody levels in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

Chang, Yu-Mei

Abstract

Rabies is a highly virulent viral disease that has been associated with large-scale population declines of the endangered African wild dog, Lycaon pictus. While rabies vaccination may be a valuable conservation tool in this species, studies indicate that a single dose does not always confer protective immunity. We examined 47 serum samples from 22 captive African wild dogs (sampled opportunistically for other purposes) to assess whether serum antibody levels after vaccination correlated with the number of doses received, and whether other factors affected outcomes. Results of the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test showed that median antibody titers were 0.085 IU/ml pre-vaccination, 0.660 IU/ml after a single vaccination, and 22.150 IU/ml after a booster vaccination. Antibody titers above 0.5 IU/ml, internationally accepted as the threshold for seroconversion, were found in none of the samples taken pre-vaccination, 66.67 % of samples taken after primary vaccination, and in 90.90 % of samples collected after booster vaccination. This study illustrates the likely protective benefit a rabies booster vaccination can potentially provide in African wild dogs and serves as a basis for future research to improve vaccination protocols that contribute to the conservation of this endangered species.

Citation

Chang, Y. (in press). Effect of rabies booster vaccination on antibody levels in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 7, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 27, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Wildlife Diseases
• Print ISSN: 0090-3558
• Publisher: Wildlife Disease Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed