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Summary
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In this study, 4,438 serum samples, comprising 4,145 samples from domestic dogs and 293 samples from stray dogs, were examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies against rabies virus. A minimum of 0.5 IU/ml Rabies antibodies is required to protect against rabies virus infection, according to the World Health Organization recommendations. Results showed that the sero-positive rate of domestic and stray dogs were 52.4% (2,173/4,145) and 9.2% (27/293), respectively. Meanwhile, we collected brain samples of dog with signs of nervous syndrome, those with a history of biting people and weak or dying dogs in shelter houses for continuous surveillance of rabies. Totally, 1,545 brain tissues of mammals, consisting of 1,480 dogs, 5 cats and 60 bats, were collected in 2009. Rabies viral antigen and typical lesion were not detected in all tissues, indicating the free status of rabies in Taiwan.
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