Imagine: protecting your livestock and pets from rabies without hunting or poisoning wildlife. This idea, unthinkable just a few years ago, is now becoming reality thanks to a surprising innovation tested on vampire bats in Latin America. Could Africa be next to benefit?
A disease that devastates our herds and burdens families
In Africa, rabies causes more than 21,000 human deaths every year and kills thousands of livestock animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs)—figures that are underestimated due to insufficient animal surveillance. According to a study in Ethiopia, losses associated with bovine rabies amount to $209 million USD per year. For a rural household, losing even one cow can represent a whole year’s income, deepening local economic vulnerability.
Bats: silent but real reservoirs
Besides dogs, lyssaviruses related to rabies circulate in fruit bats and insectivorous bats in countries like Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa. In Tanzania, monitoring has clearly shown a link between bat dynamics, domestic animal outbreaks, and human cases. This growing cohabitation, amplified by deforestation and climate change, increases transmission risks.
An economic burden: families first, then communities
An impact analysis revealed that canine rabies, predominant in Africa, represents a total cost of about $584 million USD per year, including human and animal losses, treatments, and socio-economic impacts. Investing in dog vaccination is considered one of the most effective ways to interrupt transmission. Yet, less than 20% of dogs are vaccinated in some rural areas of Tanzania, due to funding and logistical challenges.
An innovative vaccine tested on vampire bats
In Mexico, researchers applied a recombinant vaccine (RCN MoG) to the fur of a few vampire bats. The gel then spreads naturally within the colony through mutual grooming. The result:
- Vaccinated bats stop shedding the virus, even if they become infected—breaking the transmission to livestock.
- As poisoning campaigns are ineffective and harmful to biodiversity, this vaccine is an eco-friendly and gentle alternative.
Scientific challenges for Africa
To adapt this strategy to the continent, several aspects need to be explored:
- Targeted species: In Africa, insectivorous/fruit bats may not exhibit the same social behaviors as American vampires.
- Vaccine safety and efficacy: Ensuring there are no adverse effects for local species, people, or livestock is essential.
- Active surveillance: Strengthening both passive (testing sick/dead animals) and active (capture and PCR/serology testing) monitoring programs.
Africa–Latin America research: building a bridge between continents
Collaboration between African universities, FAO, WHO, and American research groups is already helping to better understand African lyssaviruses. The identification of new strains in South Africa (PBLV, MBLV) highlights the viral diversity to consider. The outcome of these philanthropic exchanges could, within 1 to 3 years, lead to pilot vaccination campaigns in rural Africa, with support from the Pan-African Rabies Control Network (PARACON).
A ‘One Health’ accelerator for rural Africa
Rather than pitting animal health, human health, and biodiversity against each other, this approach embodies the “One Health” concept: simultaneously fighting animal rabies, protecting farmers’ livestock, and preserving ecosystems. The economic gains are clear: fewer animal losses, reduced post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) costs, and stronger veterinary services in rural areas.
Africa can take the lead
Continuing research on the RCN MoG vaccine adapted to African bats, deploying pilot tests in rural areas, and launching awareness campaigns for farmers: these are urgent steps to transform this innovation into a tangible tool for rural development. NGOs, governments, and local communities are already showing strong interest in this new, sustainable approach to rabies control.
