Dog population structure in Kumasi, Ghana: a missing link towards rabies control.

William Tasiame,Ernest Akyereko,Esther Amemor,Sherry Johnson,Vitus Burimuah

doi:10.11604/pamj.2019.33.13.18284

Abstract

IntroductionDog-mediated human rabies remains a major public health threat in Ghana. Dog population structure surveys are pre-requisites for appropriate planning for rabies vaccination; however, this information is unavailable in Ghana. This study describes dog population structure in Kumasi, Ghana.MethodsA household cross sectional survey was conducted from January through April 2016 in Ayeduase and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus using a structured questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1319 households were surveyed out of which 35.1% (463/1319) kept dogs. We recorded 816 dogs from 463 households, giving dog to household ratio of 1.8:1. Respondents acquired 71% (579/816) of dogs through purchase. Of 2065 persons in Ayeduase, 406 owned dogs, resulting in man to dog ratio of 5.1:1. Male dogs represented 62.9% (513/816) while those aged a year and above recorded 70%. Most of the dogs were not restricted (80.3%) and 49.9% were allowed to enter neighbors' households. Dog rabies vaccination coverage was 28.1% and 64.9% in Ayeduase and KNUST campus respectively. Respondents (87.8%) from Ayeduase knew dog bite was the main means of rabies transmission, however, about 65% believed in traditional ways of treatment such as concoction, herbs and consumption of offending dogs' organs.ConclusionThe high dog to household-human ratio, increased roaming dog population and low vaccination coverage is of concern to rabies. Respondents' knowledge on their dogs is an indication of accessibility for vaccination. Obtained results can be useful for rabies vaccination planning in Kumasi and other comparable settings in Ghana.

Highlights

Rabies is among the deadliest zoonotic diseases in the world, with an estimated case fatality rate of almost 100%
Afakye further noted human rabies cases are clinically diagnosed in terminal stages without laboratory confirmation while reported animal rabies to the veterinary services is mostly low
Dog ecology studies are directly linked to the epidemiology of dog, a better understanding of this linkage is crucial to the design and planning of effective rabies control measures [12]

Summary

Introduction

Rabies is among the deadliest zoonotic diseases in the world, with an estimated case fatality rate of almost 100%. Afakye further noted human rabies cases are clinically diagnosed in terminal stages without laboratory confirmation while reported animal rabies to the veterinary services is mostly low. Same report indicated a yearly target of 15,000 dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies in main cities of Ghana as advised by the public health division of veterinary services. It is obvious this number may not curtail the menace of rabies which is known to affect dogs and humans mainly in the rural areas of developing countries like Ghana. Dog ecology studies are directly linked to the epidemiology of dog, a better understanding of this linkage is crucial to the design and planning of effective rabies control measures [12]

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Conclusion