The traditional approach to rabies campaigns has been annual campaigns, and there is evidence that in many populations, an annual frequency of campaigns is effective.
While this is a reasonable starting point for planning purposes, it is important to be aware that in populations with high birth and death rates, the vaccination coverage may drop off very rapidly after a single campaign. In these populations, more frequent campaigns are likely to be needed. (For example in Mexico, campaigns are carried out every 6 months.)
Campaigns can also be timed just after breeding seasons to cover the maximum number of dogs including pups. The situation should be monitored through surveillance and planning of campaigns could be refined with more detailed information on dog population dynamics, as described here.
- Photo courtesy of Serengeti Carnivore Disease Project
After an outbreak or at the start of a new regional/national campaign, it may be advisable to plan for two campaigns in the first year, particularly as turnout may be low during the first campaign due to lack of awareness. In the event of an outbreak, a rapid response is required, and a campaign should be conducted immediately to vaccinate/re-vaccinate dogs in the area.
5.4.1. What techniques are available to estimate the number of dogs?