Producing farms of beef and dairy cattle in northern and northwestern of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: analyses of vampire bat-transmitted cattle rabies and profile economic-sanitary

Abstract

domestic animals of economic interest (domestic herbivores). The main transmitter for domestic herbivores is the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus. The objective of this work is to trace the profile economic-sanitary of the producing farms of beef and dairy cattle with rabies transmitted by D. rotundus. Survey of farms with rabies cases in Northern and Northwestern of Rio de Janeiro State was made from the data of the Centers for Agricultural Defense (NDA) in the study area, and questionnaires were delivered to farmers. Data were analyzed by drawing a profile of these farms according to their production type, size and breeding system, identifying the occurrence of rabies and the degree of knowledge of the farmers about the virosis at the following locations: Batatal, Boa Vista, Cardoso Moreira, Caxeta, Dores de Macabu, Espírito Santinho, Hatobá, Italiana, Italva, Pedra Santa, Santa Maria, São Francisco de Itabapoana e Vila Nova. Mixed farming (37%), dairy farms (36%) and beef producing (27%) were typed. For size, 47% were small-scale farming (up to 100 animals), 18% of medium farms (100 to 300 animals) and 35% of large (over 300 animals). The farms had an extensive creation system, even with pasture rotational; 55% of extensive system, 27% of extensive system with pasture rotational, and 18% of pasture rotational. The presence of the vampire bat bite was reported in animals (75%); most farmers showed that knowing the dangers that the vampire bat-transmitted cattle rabies can bring, but often there was negligence on their farms. The “vampiricid topic” and the contact with NDA were the main control measures; 20% of the farmers were applying the “vampiricid topic” on animals attacked, 30% applying the “vampiricid topic” and sought NDA, and 50% sought NDA. All farms had more suspected cases of cattle rabies than confirmed laboratory; 20% of the farmers reported suspected cases in their proprieties and of these, 50% did not have sent samples for laboratory examination. Regarding the rabies vaccination, most farmers vaccinate their cattle (80%), however in a mistaken way; 75% made in the wrong period, 80% made not strengthening the first dose, and 20% have never used rabies vaccine. The results show that, as in most of Brazil, in Northern and Northwestern of Rio de Janeiro there are underreported cattle rabies cases. Through a greater number of data and a focused effort to cattle farmers, more information on prevention and control of rabies can be transmitted.