STUDY OF RABIES VIRUS IN AZERBAIJAN 2016-2017

Abstract

Due to the fact that rabies causes 100% of deaths among humans and animals, it is still considered a particularly dangerous disease. Rabies is caused by an RNA-containing virus that affects nerve cells. In order to contract rabies, a person must be bitten by a sick animal. World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH-OIE) has mandated that member countries report on rabies. Hence, Azerbaijan submits rabies statistics to the OIE every year. According to OIE data, rabies kills about 70,000 people worldwide every year. According to statistical data, rabies disease is registered in the country every year. The virus is widespread mainly among pets and stray dogs. Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus, a region of geopolitical importance located at the gateway between Europe and Asia. This geographical location makes the region of central importance to epidemiological study and the control of transboundary infectious diseases such as rabies. The purpose of the conducted research is to study the regions where the rabies virus spread in 2016-2017, the type of infected animals and laboratory diagnostics. As a result, in 2016-2017, the zone where the virus spread the most in the country was Zagatala-Sheki and Baku. The main advantage in laboratory diagnostics is given to the polymerase chain reaction. This method is used for early detection and is considered confirmatory.