Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rabies antibody levels in imported dogs versus Ontario dogs
By Belanger, Catherine R et al.·Published in Zoonoses and public health·2025·Department of Population Medicine, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparing Rabies Antibody Titres in Imported Dogs to a Population of Dogs in Ontario, Canada.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 67 imported dogs, mostly from Egypt, were tested for rabies antibodies shortly after arriving in Ontario. Nearly half of these dogs had low antibody levels, with 19 having no measurable antibodies at all, which suggests they may not have been effectively vaccinated against rabies. In comparison, only 14% of non-imported dogs had similarly low levels. This highlights the importance of having imported dogs revaccinated to ensure they are protected against rabies and to meet legal requirements. Pet owners and rescues should consult their veterinarians to confirm vaccination effectiveness.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vaccinating dogs against rabies virus is essential for protecting animal and public health. Most dogs imported into Canada must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate but do not require serological testing to confirm response to vaccination. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of dogs with rabies antibody titres below 0.5 IU/mL in a sample of imported dogs with rabies certificates, compared to rabies antibody titres in nonimported dogs in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Serum was collected from a convenience sample of dogs imported via rescues to Ontario, within a month of arrival and before revaccination with rabies in Canada. Rabies antibody titres were measured using the rapid fluorescent foci inhibition test (RFFIT) at Kansas State University's Rabies Laboratory. Univariable logistic analysis examined demographic, vaccine and country of origin factors associated with achieving a titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Rabies antibody titres from nonimported dogs were obtained from the University of Guelph's Animal Health Laboratory records. Dogs tested between 2013 and 2023, using either the RFFIT or fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test, were included. RESULTS: From October 2021 to November 2022, serum was collected from 67 dogs arriving mainly from Egypt (n = 46). In total, 48% (32/67) of these dogs had titres below 0.5 IU/mL, and this included 19 dogs that had no measurable titre. No examined factors were significantly associated with the outcome. Of the 65 nonimported dogs, 14% (9/65) had titres below 0.5 IU/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Rabies titres of many imported dogs were below the international standard for transboundary movement. A high proportion of dogs with unmeasurable antibodies suggests some had not been effectively vaccinated. Veterinarians should be aware of this gap and consider revaccinating imported dogs to protect both animal and public health, and to meet legal requirements of their jurisdiction. Rescues and owners should be informed that documentation does not always guarantee imported dogs have adequately responded to vaccination and to seek veterinary advice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40366072/