Aquatic birds are the main reservoirs of influenza viruses, however, pigs represent an essential host in virus ecology as they are susceptible to both avian and human influenza viruses. Circulating zoonotic influenza (A/H7N9, A/H5N1, and A/H3N2v) viruses could mutate into forms easily transmissible from human-to-human and become a public health concern. Georgia is located along routes used by migrating birds where different species of aquatic birds are found. In 2006, highly pathogenic influenza virus A/H5N1 was detected in two wild swans in Adjara (western Georgia).

Rabies is endemic in Georgia with up to 100 confirmed cases in animals per year. There is an estimated 350,000 domestic and stray dogs/cats in Georgia. The prophylactic vaccination of domestic animals against rabies was reestablished in Georgia in 2013. Each year since 2013, coverage has increased aiming to cover approximately 70% of the total population of dogs/cats in Georgia.

Objective

The objective of this survey was to study vaccination coverage and quality in dogs in Georgia through the detection of post-vaccination antibodies.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a cutaneous disease of livestock caused by a DNA-containing virus belonging to Poxviridae family called Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV). Another name of the virus is Neethling. The disease is characterized mainly by fever, and lesions appearing on the skin. The incubation period is 6-9 days. Mortality of the disease is about 10%, however, secondary infection of lesions can increase the mortality rate. LSD was first recorded in Zambia, South Africa, then spread to Sudan, Nigeria and European countries.