Assessment of Knowledge and Practices on Rabies among Veterinary Staff in Cuttack City, Odisha

Abstract

Background: Veterinarians and their staff are placed in the high-risk group of acquiring rabies due to the frequent exposure to rabid animals, experiences as a part of their routine job schedule. Research focusing on rabies control among veterinarians is very limited. This study attempts to assess the knowledge and practices regarding rabies prevention and control among veterinary staff of Cuttack city. Objectives 1. To assess the knowledge on rabies among veterinary staff 2. To know the extent of pre- and post-exposure vaccination coverage against rabies among veterinary staff. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was done among the government veterinary staff in Cuttack city from February to April, 2016. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the data by interviewing method. Results: Most of the surveyed veterinary individuals were aware of the disease rabies. Bite and saliva contact of rabid animals with open wound was known as mode of rabies transmission to 82.5% of the respondents. 42.5% of the study subjects used three or more personal protective measures while handling the animals. Of total 40 respondents, only 22.5% had taken full pre-exposure vaccination against rabies. Conclusion: Despite being a risk group of acquiring rabies because of their job, the total veterinary staff currently vaccinated fully either by pre or post-exposure with anti-rabies vaccine is very low. Proper education and awareness need to be provided to all the veterinary staff regarding seeking dog bite management and the need to take pre-exposure vaccine.