Etude de la situation actuelle de la rage dans la wilaya de Ain Temouchent

Abstract

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects all mammals, including humans. However, it can be prevented through vaccination and prompt, appropriate post-exposuretreatment. This study focuses on the epidemiology of human and animal rabies in the wilaya of Ain Témouchent, during the period 2021–2025. Data were collected from the Directorate of Health and Population (DSP) and the Veterinary Inspection Service of the Directorate of Agricultural Services (DSA), and were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The results showed a progressive increase in the number of people exposed to animal bites during the study period, with a total of 13214 cases recorded between 2021 and 2025. Rabies can affect all age groups; however, adults aged 15 years and over were the most affected, with a predominance of males. Despite the increase in exposure cases, no human rabies cases were reported during the study period, thanks to effective post-exposure prophylaxis and adequate vaccination coverage. Regarding animal rabies, dogs accounted for the majority of confirmed cases. Cats and donkeys represented a smaller number of cases, while no cases were reported in cattle. In addition, animal vaccination campaigns resulted in the vaccination of a large number of animals. The results of this study highlight the need to strengthen dog vaccination, improve the control of stray animals, and intensify public awareness campaigns in order to sustainably reduce the risk of transmission of this zoonotic disease.