The rabies vaccine has been a crucial tool in controlling this hazardous disease globally. Its effectiveness is influenced by various factors, including the vaccine’s quality, the animals’ health, and the vaccination method. In An Giang (Vietnam), state veterinary officials use the Rabisin vaccine, which prevents rabies in pets when given to healthy canines by manufacturer’s recommendations (stored at 2-8°C, 1 ml subcutaneous injection each dosage). Storage conditions and vaccine administration are carefully monitored to maintain consistent vaccine quality. However, factors related to dogs’ health in this area have significantly affected the vaccination’s effectiveness. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the efficacy of the Rabisin vaccine in preventing rabies in dogs in An Giang province (Vietnam). The study surveyed 343 vaccinated dogs of different ages to determine the presence of antibodies in the serum and compare factors related to the dogs’ natural characteristics (age, gender) and other factors, such as dog management, regional characteristics, and vaccination timing. The study assessed the effectiveness of rabies vaccination in dogs by analyzing data from owners, health records, and serum samples. ELISA tests measured antibody levels, and statistical analysis, including chi-square and t-tests, was used to compare proportions and means, revealing that 80.47% of dogs developed protective antibodies. The highest antibody levels were in dogs aged >12–24 (89.47%, 7.44±0.49 EU/mL, 95% CI) months and >24–60 months (87,62%, 6.93±0.32 EU/mL, 95% CI), with significant (P<0.05) indicating solid associations. Confined or semi-confined dogs and those vaccinated within the last nine months (89.51%; 6.92±0.33 EU/mL, 95% CI) showed significantly better outcomes (P=0,016, P=0.029, 95% CI) compared to free-ranging dogs (73.68%, 5.13±0.35 EU/ml, 95% CI) and those vaccinated earlier (73.27%; 5.09±0.26 EU/mL, P<0.05). The study controlled for confounding factors like age, dog management method, and vaccination timing by statistically assessing their impact, underscoring the importance of proper dog management and timely booster vaccinations to optimize rabies prevention. These findings have significant implications for rabies prevention and control in An Giang province, Vietnam, and can guide future vaccination strategies and policies.
Keywords | Rabies, Immune response, Antibody titers, Dogs, Vaccination, An giang