A contribution to dog ecology and dog-related zoonoses in Bamako, Mali

Zoonoses are diseases which are transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. Neglected zoonoses are often endemic, under-reported, misdiagnosed and affect mostly poor and marginalised populations, which are living in close proximity to their animals. They cause enormous human suffering and death, contributing as well to significant economic losses as they often affect livestock. They do not rank as high priorities of governments and international public health communities, although frequently cures exist and control in the animal reservoirs is often highly cost effective. To date, very little is known about neglected canine zoonoses in West Africa, particularly in Mali.
The main objectives of this PhD thesis were to assess baseline dog population dynamics and the epidemiology of dog-related zoonotic diseases, namely rabies, echinococcosis and leishmaniasis. A randomised cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study was conducted in about 3’000 households throughout Bamako. Additionally, biological samples were collected from dogs. Subsequent laboratory analysis included microscopic, immunodiagnostic and molecular methods. Following the baseline assessment study, the generated knowledge was used to test small scale interventions with two pilot rabies vaccination campaigns. These results contribute vital information towards planning effective and sustainable canine rabies control programmes in Mali.