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East, M.L.
Canine distemper and rabies infection in wildlife in the Serengeti National Park. A response to S. Cleaveland's article in the VSG Newsletter, Autumn 1996 (with reference also to other related citations)
Veterinary Group Newsletter: 2-6
Sarah Cleaveland suggests that the vaccination of domestic dogs in a 20 km wide vaccination "zone" of undefined length, in the Serengeti National Park (SNP), will reduce the incidence of rabies and canine distemper (CDP) in wildlife throughout the SNP. The rationale for this vaccination programme is based on two assumptions: 1) That the domestic dog population in the Serengeti District is the only reservoir for CDV and rabies in rural areas surrounding the SNP; 2) That CDV and rabies in the SNP is primarily caused by "spillover" from domestic dogs in the Serengeti District. Here I outline why I consider the data presented to be insufficient to justify either assumption. I also ask how the effect of this programme on wildlife will be assessed and whether the cost of vaccinating dogs can be justified in terms of the assumed benefits to wildlife in the SNP.
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