Philippine E-Journals

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING RABIES AND RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IN PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Emerson P. Tapdasan | Caro B. Salces

 

Abstract:

Rabies disease claims 200-300 human deaths in the Philippines per year, mostly due to bites from infected dogs. Considered as the leading tourist destination in Bohol province, Panglao Island ironically had the highest canine rabies incidence in 2013. This study aimed to describe the people’s knowledge and practices regarding rabies and responsible dog ownership (RDO) components [annual vaccination against rabies, dog registration, dog leashing or confinement and dog neutering]. A cross-sectional study was conducted to descriptively and inferentially analyze the results using Odds Ratio at 95% confidence interval. Although most were aware about the rabies disease and RDO, only 58% of owners had their dog’s vaccination updated. Furthermore, less than half of owners had their dogs registered (44%), leashed/ confined (37%) and neutered (13%). Mongrels and those not kept as pets were more likely free-roaming. Dogs were more likely to be vaccinated if they were purebred, regularly checked by a veterinarian and aged >1 year old. Majority of the people in the island had the right knowledge and practices regarding rabies disease except for updating of dog’s anti-rabies vaccination. Moreover, other than vaccination, only a few knew and practiced the components of RDO. There is a need to campaign for regular rabies vaccination and promote RDO as well.