부산대학교 도서관

In 2021, a comprehensive dog demographic questionnaire combined with a KAP survey were conducted in the northern communal areas (NCAs) of Namibia with the aim of gaining a better understanding of dog populations, owner behaviour, and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to rabies. The survey of 3,726 households across the eight regions of the NCAs provided insights that will inform interventions in order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia's dog rabies control strategy. The results showed a relatively low average human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1 indicating a surprisingly high dog population of at least 272,000 dogs in the NCAs, 93% of which appear to be owned but are free-roaming. Data analysis revealed opportunities but also highlighted needs for improvements in rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccinations. Although knowledge, attitude, and practice scores towards epidemiologic and clinical aspects, human rabies prevention, and dog rabies vaccination were deemed to be acceptable, the survey nevertheless revealed deficiencies in certain aspects in some of the population. Interestingly, data seemed to indicate relatively high dog bite incidences per 100,000 people, ranging between 262 and 1,369 and a certain number of unreported human rabies cases. Despite the very high number of dogs, only 50% of dog-owning households reported having vaccinated their dogs. In order to address these issues, the planning, announcement, and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns needs to be adapted to achieve adequate vaccination coverage. Another focus needs to be on rabies awareness and education if Namibia is to be significantly contributing to the global goal of "Zero by 30". Author summary: As a neglected disease, rabies remains a major problem in Africa and Asia. Here we report the results of an extensive community survey on dog ownership and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to rabies control and prevention, covering the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) of Namibia. The survey conducted in 2021 included more than 3,700 households and provided useful insights that will inform interventions in order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia's dog rabies control strategy. Our results show that there was 1 dog for about every 5 humans, of which the vast majority is free-roaming. This surprisingly high dog population is not only supporting disease transmission but further complicating control efforts. Most people were aware that dog-mediated rabies is present in this part of Namibia and had an acceptable attitude and behavior towards it. Depending on the region, between 262 and 1,369 people per 100,000 inhabitants were bitten by dogs during the survey period. Although the number of dog bites is relatively high, more than 90% of victims stated that they had sought hospital treatment after being bitten. However, there are still gaps in laboratory-based surveillance of dog-mediated rabies, and incomplete or lack of rabies prophylaxis after dog bite injuries have led to unreported human deaths. Therefore, improved vaccination measures for dogs, consistent rabies prophylaxis after dog bite injuries as well as awareness-raising measures to increase people's knowledge and awareness are necessary if human deaths caused by rabies are to be permanently prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]