Rapid In-field Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Rabies (RAIDER) toolkit
Used for: in-field diagnosis and reporting
What is the RAIDER?
The “Rapid In-field Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Rabies” (RAIDER) toolkit improve rabies surveillance at the community-level by enabling the collection and timely reporting of animal rabies surveillance data from remote areas that are not usually covered by existing surveillance networks.
To do this, the RAIDER relies on the following:
- In-field collection of animal brain samples using rapid, safe and non-invasive sampling techniques.
- Application of in-field diagnostic screening using lateral flow devices (also known as “rapid test kits”)
- Capturing of the diagnostic result using the GARC App.
- Shipment of the samples to the nearest diagnostic laboratory for confirmatory testing.
Why should I use the RAIDER?
The RAIDER:
- Enables rabies surveillance to take place in remote areas,
- strengthens programs that already rely on in-field diagnostic screening, and
- is an easy way to start an active rabies surveillance program.
It will help you to:
- Undertake diagnostic screening in areas distant from laboratories.
- Identify rabies hotspots, outbreaks, and high-risk areas.
- Plan strategic and effective targeted vaccination campaigns.
Diagrammatic overview of the different steps in the RAIDER toolkit.
What data does the RAIDER approach capture?
Positive and negative rabies diagnostic data including:
- Precise GPS coordinates
- Species
- Date
- Diagnostic screening outcome
- Field sample number
What are the outputs from the RAIDER approach?
The RAIDER approach combines the benefits of the RCS tool with immediate diagnostic results. Thus, the RAIDER provides capacity for more rapid response to rabies cases in the community. In addition to the benefits of the RCS tool, RAIDER delivers the following outputs:
- Immediate in-field diagnosis and automated reporting.
- Improved outbreak response time.
- Sample prioritization for laboratory confirmation.