New type of rabies virus found in Tanzania
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Scientists from the University of Glasgow and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) have discovered a new type of the rabies virus in a part of the Serengeti previously believed to be free of the disease entirely. The discovery follows an investigation prompted by an incident in which a child was attacked by a civet.
Samples were collected after the incident and sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Dar es Salaam. Genetic testing revealed that the virus was one not previously known, although it was found to be similar to a bat rabies virus that was isolated in Eastern Europe. More studies into the discovery to assess the extent of the spread of the virus and the risk to both animal and human health are planned for a future date.
Commenting on the discovery, Professor Sarah Cleaveland, of the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow, said: “The vast majority of human deaths from rabies are caused by bites from domestic dogs with rabies, which can be effectively controlled through mass dog vaccination campaigns. This new virus is unlikely to pose a threat to humans on the scale of that of dog rabies. However this research highlights the need for vigilance and maintaining good levels of surveillance. The study also demonstrates how powerful new genetic tools are revealing the complexity of emerging viruses at the wildlife–human interface.”
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