Determinants of Canine Rabies in Morocco: How to Make Pertinent Deductions for Control?

Abstract

Objective
This case control study aims to highlight risk factors to contract canine rabies, taking into account several factors like geographical
affiliation, sex, age, season, socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the environment in which the canine population
evolves.
Design
Case-control study at national level in Morocco included non-randomized comparison groups. This approach was chosen to address
practical considerations and the data used correspond to a five years period. A group of 215 cases and 215 controls were
needed for an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 and the sample size was calculated for a 1:1 match, with a power of 80% and a risk of the
first species at 5% (95% confidence interval).
Setting
Data collection is retrospective and the collection of information on the exposure of cases and controls was conducted in the
same way.
Subjects
Target population was the general canine population of Morocco. Criteria related to age group (puppies, young, adult) and gender
(female, male) have been considered in the selection of the target population.
Results
The Moroccan rural context characterized by a lack of basic infrastructures (education, health) makes that there are practices
and cultural habits that favor the endemicity of rabies in some regions. Thus, the disease is associated with the presence of rural
slaughterhouses and animal markets and landfills which appears offering unlimited food sources for stray dogs and then indirectly
promotes their reproduction accordingly.
Conclusion
These findings support advocacy efforts for strengthening a global prevention system. In addition, socio-ecological surveys
should be carried out to build understanding in depth for a better adaptation of the ongoing prophylactic programs.