Seroprevalence of Leptospirosis in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Dogs in Abuja-FCT, Nigeria

Abstract

Leptospirosis has been a major concern and threat to animals and humans globally despite the effort in vaccination. This study investigated seroprevalence of leptospirosis in vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs in FCT, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) dogs across three Area councils in Abuja, the Federal Capital territory (FCT) of Nigeria, were selected through simple random sampling between the year 2019 and 2020.Blood samples were collected during the wet and dry season from the dogs.  Vaccination status, sex, age, seasonal variation and breed variation were used to establish the prevalence of Leptospirosis. Dogs with high antibody titre to Leptospira ELISA kit was tagged positive to Leptospirosis. The study conducted in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, revealed an overall prevalence of leptospirosis in dogs at 98%. Among the dogs tested, the prevalence was slightly higher in vaccinated dogs (98.31%) compared to unvaccinated dogs (97.56%). Demographic and Seasonal Distribution revealed that the prevalence varied by sex, with male dogs showing a rate of 97.73% and female dogs at 98.53%. In terms of age, adult dogs had a prevalence of 98.08%, while puppies showed a slightly lower rate of 97.37%. Seasonal analysis indicated that the prevalence remained consistent at 98% during both wet and dry seasons. Breed-Specific Prevalence shows that breed-specific prevalence are as follows: Alsatian: 98.33%, Caucasian: 96.67%, Mongrel (indigenous breed),96.67%, Boerboel 96.67%, Rottweiler 93.75%, Lhassa Apso: 91.67%, Labrador 90%, Belgian Malinois 87.50%, Springer Spaniel 75%, This study found no significant associations between leptospirosis prevalence and the variables of vaccination status, sex, age, season, or breed (p > 0.05). This study concluded that there is high and uniform prevalence of leptospirosis among dogs in the FCT, regardless of vaccination status, underscores the need for improved public awareness and disease control measures. Additionally, further investigation into the reliability and efficacy of leptospirosis vaccines used in Nigeria is warranted to optimize prevention strategies and safeguard animal and human health.