Dog Bite Research Articles

Predatory Dogs as Drivers of Social Behavior Changes in the Central Himalayan Langur (Semnopithecus schistaceus) in Agro-Forest Landscapes.

Globally, habitat fragmentation has increased the proximity between wildlife, humans, and emerging predators such as free-ranging dogs. In these fragmented landscapes, encounters between primates and dogs are escalating, with primates often falling victim to dog attacks while navigating patchy landscapes and fragmented forests. We aim to investigate how these primates deal with the simultaneous threats posed by humans and predators, specifically focusing on the adaptive strategies of Central Himalayan langur (CHL) in the landscape of fear. To address this, we conducted a behavioral study on the CHL in an agro-forest landscape, studying them for a total of 3912 h over two consecutive years. Our results indicate that, compared to their most common resting behavior, CHLs allocate more time to feeding and locomotion, and less time to socializing in the presence of humans and predatory dogs. Additionally, they exhibit increased feeding and locomotion and reduced social behavior in agro-forest or open habitats. These behavioral patterns reflect adaptive responses to the landscape of fear, where the presence of predators significantly influences their behavior and resource utilization. This study suggests measures to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife through the integration of effective management strategies that incorporate both ecological and social dimensions of human-wildlife interactions.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric dog bite injuries: Infection rates and prescribing practices.

Pediatric dog bite injuries are a major public health concern and antibiotic prophylaxis is often prescribed due to concern about the development of infection. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends 3‒5 days of antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk dog bites. The purpose of our study was to compare infection rates among patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis and those who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children aged 3 months to 17 years enrolled in the healthcare systems' affiliated accountable care organization (ACO). Eligible children with a dog bite injury presented at an urgent care center or emergency department between 2016 and 2019. We excluded children who were immunosuppressed or had bites that required closure by a surgeon. An electronic health record review was completed and ACO claims data were used to determine if a prescription was filled. Patients with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 code concerning for infection within 7 days of injury were recorded as having a bite infection. A total of 2653 non-immunosuppressed children presented for care of dog bite injuries and 672 children met eligibility criteria. Thirty-five children developed an infection of their injury. Of the 539 children who received antibiotic prophylaxis, 5.8% developed an infection and 3.0% of the 133 children who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis developed an infection (p=0.28). The overall infection rate for pediatric dog bite injuries was 5.2%. In our single-center study, no difference in infection rates was found between those receiving and not receiving antibiotic prophylaxis.

Pastoralism and Resulting Challenges for National Parks in Afar, Ethiopia.

Pastoralists and national parks are key stakeholders in the management and conservation of natural and protected habitats. In Ethiopia, Afar pastoralists migrate seasonally with their livestock in search for grazing and water areas. Livestock are also a source of infectious diseases that can spread into wildlife populations when pastoralists encroach into unfenced national parks. The interactions between pastoralists and national parks, as well as the subsequent impacts, remain insufficiently understood in Afar. Two structured questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2021, including 300 pastoralist households in seven woredas of Afar, and 58 staff from three national parks (Awash, Alidegi and Yangudi Rassa). They captured pastoralist movements and livestock diseases as well as the perception of national park staff regarding challenges resulting from pastoral encroachment into parks. Among the pastoralists, 74.7% migrated with their livestock for a mean 3.5months per year, during which time, 90% of respondents reported contact with other livestock herds, and over 80% with wildlife. A third (34.2%) reported disease outbreaks in their village prior to migration. Pastoralists traveled long distances, crossing woreda, regional or national boundaries. All 58-park respondents reported pastoralists with livestock inside their park and their close contact with wildlife. Additionally, 69% reported the presence of domestic dogs. Wildlife displacement, habitat loss and dog attacks on wildlife were perceived as the main threat caused by the presence of pastoralists, whereas diseases were only mentioned by 15.5%. Overall, park staff showed poor disease knowledge. They reported poor disease surveillance and no disease response. Within pastoral contexts, improved collaboration between wildlife and livestock authorities regarding land use, disease awareness and surveillance is needed to balance the needs of both wildlife and pastoralist's livestock development and mitigate threats to wildlife habitats.

An 8-year-old child with Encephalitis Rabies due to delayed case finding, proper Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Rabies infection a case report

Background and Purpose: Until April 2023, it has been documented about 31.113 case of animal rabies-borne bite, which 23.211 cases are given Post Exposure Prophylaxis Anti Rabies Vaccine and 11 death cases in Indonesia and 95% of them are caused by dog bite. This case report was conducted to describe a rare case of an 8 years old child presenting with late complication of encephalitis in Borong General Hospital due to the delayed case finding, management and proper prophylaxis for Rabies infection. Case: One day prior to admission, an 8-year-old girl with irritability, aggressive behavior, and severe speech abnormalities reported to the emergency room. These symptoms quickly escalated to confusion and disturbed mental status. One month before to presentation, the patient's parents stated that his right arm had been bitten by a stray dog. Because there were no obvious bite marks and the family was not aware of the dog bite, PEP was not requested. In the previous five days, her parents described experiences of hydrophobia, photophobia, and aerophobia. The patient's health deteriorated two hours after admission, and palpating the carotid artery revealed that there was no pulse. Despite performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ROSC was not reached. Conclusion: Animal rabies control and surveillance are essential, particularly in locations where the disease is endemic. PEP is extremely effective and ought to be given as soon as possible following an exposure to reduce the high fatality rate. Keywords: aware, PEP, mortality, irritability

Incidence of human rabies following bite or exposure to laboratory confirmed rabid animals

Background: Rabies is one of the important endemic fatal zoonotic viral disease afflicting humans and animals in Punjab, India. The present study investigated the incidence of rabies in humans bitten/exposed to laboratory confirmed rabid animals, as well as incidence after use of vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) and clinico-epidemiological studies. Methods: A study was conducted during August 2021 to September 2022 on forty (40) rabies suspected animals presented to diagnose rabies by direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT) at rabies diagnostic laboratory (RDL), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Punjab, India. A detailed questionnaire was prepared for obtaining information about exposure/bite of humans by rabid animals, death of humans, demographic and epidemiological information of victims. Results: Out of total forty (40) suspected rabies cases, 30(75%) were found positive for rabies by dFAT. Laboratory confirmed rabies (LCR) incidence was 60.80% and 21.73% in stray and pet dogs, respectively. All pet dogs were vaccinated but no stray dog was vaccinated. The LCR incidence in buffaloes and cattle was 77.77% and 100%, respectively. Further in humans exposed to rabid animals (59), males were at more risk than females. The human rabies incidence was 3.38% (2/59). Highest incidence of dog bites in adult males on lower limb was observed from urban stray dogs (60.80%) followed by children. Post exposure vaccination was given to 98.3% humans exposed to rabid animals. Human’s rabies in two cases was due to no vaccination or RIG. Conclusions: Vaccination is an important step in controlling rabies in India. There is a need for integrated and comprehensive management of street dogs and bite management.

Pediatric Head and Neck Dog Bites in the United States: A NEISS Database Investigation of Risk Factors and Escalation of Care.

Pediatric patients experience increased morbidity secondary to head and neck dog bites. The authors examined risk factors among pediatric head and neck dog bite patients and which factors are associated with admission to inform prevention efforts. All patients who suffered head and neck dog bites from 2013-2022 in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database were reviewed. Demographics among discharged and escalation of care (EOC) patients were compared using multinomial logistic regression (MLR), and linear regression was employed to analyze yearly emergency room (ER) visit incidence. Among 949 pediatric patients, 57.2% were male, 43.4% were 2-6 years old, and 77.7% sustained face or mouth injuries. Attacks were commonly provoked (60.5%), occurred in the home (82.3%), and involved a dog known to the patient (61.7%). The most common dog breed involved was Pitbull (33.1%). MLR revealed increased EOC among patients with neck injury (OR=11.82, SE=0.68, P<0.001), orbital injury (OR=12.91, SE=0.55, P<0.001), unprovoked attacks (OR=2.67, SE=0.16, P<0.001), and those under 2 years old (OR=1.83, SE=0.19, P=0.002). There was a significant yearly rise in the number of pediatric head and neck dog bites (model coefficient=6.467, SE=1.40, P=0.002). Overall, increased caution around particular dog breeds in households with children under 2 years old may decrease head and neck dog bite injuries. While pediatricians should perform general safety education, enhanced knowledge of risk factors is essential for proper inpatient counseling by surgical specialists.

PROGRESSIVE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE ELIMINATION OF RABIES AMONG THE STRAY DOG (CANIS FAMILIARIS) POPULATION IN PAKISTAN

Stray dogs are integrally linked with rabies transmission, and a sizeable unmanaged dog population hinders rabies control program planners. Dog population management (DPM) is one of the best strategies to control rabies transmission, improve health management, and lower the population size of stray dogs. The threat of rabies is very serious due to free-roaming dogs. Foxes, skunks, groundhogs, raccoons, and house bats are rabies vector species and can carry rabies virus without showing any symptoms. Rabies is a life-threatening disease that affects thousands of losses worldwide every year. World Rabies Day is an international awareness campaign coordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). In Pakistan, there are reportedly 3 million stray dogs. More than one million dog bite cases are reported annually throughout Pakistan. About 600 dog bite cases are reported daily in the Sindh province, Pakistan. Due to an uncontrolled number of stray dogs, many serious problems arise related to public health, socio-economic, and political issues. The Animal Act of 1890 provides a specific defense against cruelty and establishes its importance in Pakistani culture. Developing long-term and supportable strategies is imperative to overcome the stray animal population worldwide. To overcome the rabies issue in Pakistan, the government should implement projects on breeding control of stray dogs through spaying and neutering surgeries. The government should also provide proper shelters for dogs and rabies vaccines. There is a need to be aware of basic preventive measures such as disinfectants and rabies vaccination. Public awareness, rabies vaccination, and dog sterilization at the national level are crucial factors in preventing rabies and managing the dog population in Pakistan.

Factors influencing canine rabies vaccination among dog-owning households in Nigeria

Rabies perpetuates in Nigeria despite initiatives like the Regional Disease Surveillance System Enhancement Project, with evidence indicating suboptimal canine vaccination rates as a contributing factor. To inform effective planning of mass dog vaccination campaigns, it is crucial to understand the factors associated with variation in canine vaccination rates. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2022 to understand factors associated with canine vaccination. We used stratified random sampling of the streets and dog-owning households to survey 4162 households from three states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We then built a joint probabilistic model to understand factors associated with dog vaccination and non-vaccination. First, we modelled rabies knowledge as a latent variable indirectly measured with several targeted survey questions. This method allowed a respondent's unobserved understanding of rabies to be estimated using their responses to a collection of survey questions that targeted different aspects of rabies epidemiology and took various possible response distributions (i.e., ordinal, categorical, binary). Second, we modelled factors influencing pet owners' decisions to vaccinate their dogs against rabies and barriers to dog vaccination among dog owners whose dogs were not vaccinated against rabies. Posterior distributions revealed that the probability of dog vaccination was positively associated with the owner's latent knowledge of rabies, civil servant service employment, residence in the FCT, ownership of a single dog, providing care to dogs, and a preference for contemporary treatment following a dog bite. Conversely, non-vaccination was positively associated with private employment, residing in Anambra and Enugu states, owning multiple dogs, allowing dogs to search for leftovers, and a preference for traditional treatment after a dog bite. Cost was the primary barrier against vaccination for dog owners in Anambra and Enugu, while mistrust posed a major challenge for those in the FCT. Owners in areas with veterinary establishments cited cost as a barrier, while those without a veterinary establishment cited access as the primary barrier. Our study underscores the need to enhance rabies knowledge, tailor vaccination campaigns to specific demographics, address financial and access barriers, and combat hesitancy to improve rabies vaccination rates in Nigeria.

Dog ecology and rabies control including canine vaccination coverage: Impacts from a survey in Madagascar.

Rabies virus (RABV; species Lyssavirus rabies) is causing one of the oldest zoonotic diseases known to mankind, leading to fatal encephalomyelitis in animals and humans. Despite the existence of safe and effective vaccines to prevent the disease, an estimated 99% of human rabies deaths worldwide are caused by dog-mediated rabies with children at the highest risk of infection. Rabies has been endemic in Madagascar for over a century, yet there has been little research evaluating local knowledge and practices impacting on the rabies control and prevention. Thus, this study was undertaken to better understand the dog ecology including canine vaccine coverage and to assess knowledge and practices of dog owners and veterinarians. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 dog-owning households in thirteen fokontanys in Mahajanga from July 4 to September 13, 2016. Single and multi-member dog-owning households in the study area on the day of the interview were eligible for inclusion and purposively selected with the support of a local guide. The survey included a household questionnaire capturing information on the dog's demographics, husbandry practices, knowledge and practices towards rabies and its control measures; the dog ecology questionnaire collected dog characteristics, vaccination status and husbandry practices. All households that reported a dog bite incident, were invited to participate in a dog bite questionnaire. In addition, direct observations of roaming dogs were conducted to assess dog population demographics and to document behavioural characteristics. Two veterinarians were purposively selected and took part in an interview during the survey period, providing information on rabies control activities, including dog-care practices in the area. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed using Epi Info version 7.1.5.0 (CDC Atlanta, USA). We recorded a total of 400 dogs, of which 338 (84.5%) were owned amongst 123 households. More than half (67.8%) of owned dogs were between 1 to 5 years old and 95.6% were kept for guarding purposes. 45% of the surveyed dogs had free access to roam outside the premises. The majority (85.4%) of dog owners were knowledgeable that a dog bite could potentially transmit RABV to humans. 19 dog bites were reported and of these 73.6% were caused by the owner's or a neighbour's dog. In 6 of the 19 cases, children between 7 and 15 years of age were the victims. Dog vaccination coverage against rabies was 34% among owned dogs. Of the participants aware of a veterinarian, the majority (55/82) indicated that they accessed veterinarian services at irregular intervals. The main obstacles to vaccinations cited by dog owners were limited financial resources and difficulty accessing veterinary care. This study contributes to enhanced understanding of the dog ecology including canine vaccine coverage as well as knowledge and practices of dog owners in Madagascar. Most dogs in the study area were accessible for preventive vaccination through their owners, however only one third of the investigated canine population was vaccinated against rabies. Concerted national efforts towards rabies prevention and control should aim to address financial challenges and access to veterinary services.

Rabies death in a prisoner: necessity for medical history documentation

Rabies is a zoonotic illness with a high mortality rate that attacks mammals' central nervous systems. It is a viral illness that may be avoided with immunization. Up to 99% of the human rabies transmissions occur in dogs, making them the primary cause of rabies mortality in humans. It is a case-report of rabies death in a 55-years old male, a prisoner from Phulbani Jail (Kandhamal), who was presented to MKCG Medical College and Hospital casualty with with chief complaints of difficulty in breathing and difficulty in drinking water since last night on 17 July 2023, at 11:19 pm. The patient had a history of dog bite exposure four years ago, for which he had not received any post-exposure prophylaxis. The patient was identified as having a likely case of rabies based on his previous history of animal bite and clinical manifestations. Patient was declared dead on 18 July 2023 at 10:30 am. Rabies diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination of brain sample which showed presence of Negri bodies. This case-report focuses on the importance of proper medical history information including any animal bite exposure especially for convicts before admitting in prison so as to avoid later morbidity and its legal consequences. Such kind of incident also shows that there is lack of awareness regarding rabies in community. In this instance, mortality may have been prevented if the patient had finished the anti-rabies vaccine regimen and made it to a higher center in time for immunoglobulin. Increasing rabies vaccination awareness among the general public can help reduce rabies-related deaths.

An assessment of the operationality and factors influencing the effectiveness of rabies surveillance in Gombe State, Nigeria.

Rabies remains a burden in Africa, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable despite the availability of effective vaccines. Nigeria, the most populous African country, needs rapid disease control actions and commitments to achieve the goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Surveillance is an essential element of effective disease control strategies. This study examined the current state of operationality of the rabies surveillance system for early case detection and management in Gombe state, Nigeria, through a One Health lens. It further examined the barriers impeding the effectiveness of the surveillance based on the perception of surveillance workers. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess the structure of the system and its functioning. Data on dog bite and rabid cases obtained from the veterinary services in Gombe state were analysed descriptively. A total of 13 key informants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis to explore in depth the factors that influenced the operationality of the system. A total of 157 potential human exposures to rabies were identified in this study, out of which two people reportedly died at the health facility after showing symptoms highly suggestive of rabies. In terms of rabies surveillance and control, cross-sectoral collaboration was found between the human health and veterinary sectors for risk assessment of potential rabies exposures and its management. Some identified factors affecting the operations of the surveillance were inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, lack of feedback from higher authorities and insufficient knowledge of rabies prevention and management. To improve the capacity for case detection and management within the state, the appropriate authorities may focus on increasing awareness about the disease to the populace to increase the number of cases identified by the system, employ more workers and strengthen the surveillance capability of existing workers.

Clinical features and surgical management of traumatic acquired isolated superior rectus palsy.

Isolated acquired superior rectus palsy (ASRP) is extremely rare. The goal of this report is to describe the clinical manifestations and surgical protocols for treatment of isolated traumatic ASRP. Retrospective observational case series. Records of patients presenting with traumatic isolated ASRP from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables analyzed included nature of the damage, ocular alignment, ocular motility, binocular vision, fundus photography, imaging and surgical treatment. Of the 23,498 strabismus surgeries performed, 16 (0.07%) were identified as being attributable to traumatic isolated ASRP. Iatrogenic injury during orbital/brain tumorectomy was the most common cause for ASRP, followed by injury resulting from a sharp object, blunt instrument, car accident, dog bite, accidental fall and explosion. The main clinical features were hypotropia and deficient supraduction of the affected eye, accompanied by exotropia, extorsion, decreased vision and ptosis. The imaging examination showed the superior orbital wall fracture in 3 cases and superior rectus rupture in 7 cases. Inferior rectus recession and/or superior rectus resection comprised the major surgical procedures employed for these cases. Vertical deviations were reduced from 45.60 ± 17.52 PD preoperatively to 12.20 ± 12.97 PD postoperatively after an average of 22.70 months at follow-up, with a success rate of 50%. Traumatic isolated ASRP comprised only 0.07% of cases receiving strabismus surgery at our hospital. Orbital imaging is essential to identify whether muscle rupture, orbital fractures and/or other possible disorders are present. Superior rectus resection and inferior rectus recession represented the most frequently used surgical procedures.

The first confirmed human case of rabies, Timor-Leste, 2024.

In March 2024, the first ever human case of rabies, following a dog bite, was detected in Timor-Leste. This paper briefly discusses the circumstances of transmission, clinical presentation, palliative care of the case and public health measures taken. Timor-Leste was previously considered rabies-free. Any person who is bitten or scratched by an animal that could potentially transmit rabies virus (especially dogs, bats, monkeys or cats) in Timor-Leste should be assessed for consideration of provision of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Lack of documentation in animal bite cases and its impact on rabies biologicals utilization.

Rabies has significant health and economic consequences for both humans and animals. Annually, India witnesses 17.4 million dog bites, yet only 3 million individuals receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). There is a shortage of anti-rabies vaccine in India as quoted in many news reports. In India, lack of documentation of previous vaccination against animal bites is there, hence resulting in the re-administration of the anti-rabies vaccine, leading to a significant biological loss (anti-rabies vaccine). A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted. Data was collected, and analyzed from June 2021 to June 2023 a period of 2 years. Majority of the patients reported within the first 24 hours after being bitten while approximately one-third reported after 24 hours. Majority were Category 3 bites and unprovoked. Males, lower-middle class, and bites on lower extremities were common among 4291 patients attending the clinic. Out of 217 re-exposure cases, 185 did not have any documentation regarding their previous treatment of animal bites. Among 4291 patients attending the clinic, majority were Category 3 bites on the lower extremities. 85.25% of re-exposure cases had to be administered a full course of treatment due to a lack of documentation leading to rabies as a biological wastage. This avoidable wastage can be a resource for treating more patients.

Management Strategies for Common Animal Bites in Pediatrics: A Narrative Review on the Latest Progress.

Animal bites are a common reason for children to visit primary care and emergency departments. Dog bites are the most prevalent, followed by cat bites at 20-30%. Other animals such as bats, monkeys, snakes, and rats collectively contribute less than 1% of cases. Hospitalization is necessary in only 4% of animal bite incidents. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main protocols currently followed in pediatrics in cases involving the most common bites from different animal species. Analysis of the literature showed that the management of common animal bites in children presents a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities associated with each specific species. Effective wound management is paramount in reducing the risk of infection and promoting optimal healing outcomes. Additionally, tetanus vaccination status should be assessed and updated as necessary, and prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated in certain cases to prevent secondary infections. Furthermore, the role of rabies prophylaxis cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic or following bites from high-risk animals. In addition to medical management, psychosocial support for both the child and their caregivers is integral to the overall care continuum. Future studies exploring the efficacy of novel treatment modalities, such as topical antimicrobial agents or advanced wound dressings, may offer new insights into optimizing wound healing and reducing the risk of complications.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to dog bite and its management among adults in rural Maharashtra with reference to their literacy status: a cross sectional study

Background: In India, 97% of human rabies is transmitted by dogs. Rabies is 100% fatal but 100% preventable by vaccination. In rural community, there exists a considerable gap in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to dog bite and its management. So, study was planned to assess same with reference to literacy status among adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of Rajiv Gandhi medical college in Maharashtra during April to June 2023. Sample size was estimated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Data was collected by personal interview using pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The statistical level of significance was fixed at p&lt;0.05. Results: Of the 254 subjects interviewed, 208 (81.89%) were literate and 46 (18.11%) were illiterate, 224 (88.19%) subjects knew about rabies disease of which 190 (91.35%) were literate (p&lt;0.05), 208 (81.89%) subjects mentioned that the dog bite leads to rabies of which 178 (85.58%) were literate (p&lt;0.05), 172 (67.72%) said rabies can be prevented through vaccination of which 151 (72.60%) were literate (p&lt;0.05), 179 (70.47%) said washing dog bite wound can reduce chance of rabies of which 158 (75.96%) were literate (p&lt;0.05), 88 (34.65%) subjects have given history of dog bite. Literate subjects were having better knowledge, positive attitudes and healthy practices related to dog bite and its management. Conclusions: The gap in knowledge, attitude and practices about dog bite and its management among the subjects can be reduced by increasing literacy status, health education and focusing on communication services in rural area.

The role of goat production in smallholder systems in Lao PDR: implications for improving productivity and scaling up production

Context Rising demand from Vietnam for Lao goat meat has triggered a rapid increase in goat numbers in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Despite the increased market opportunity for smallholder farmers in Laos, goat production remains low input within free-grazing management systems. Aims Qualitative research was conducted to explore the role that goat production plays in farmers’ livelihood strategies and farming systems, including the benefits and associated trade-offs, so as to inform development approaches to improve goat husbandry and productivity. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 smallholder goat farmers across five villages in southern-central Laos. Interview transcripts were analysed using grounded theory methodology with the assistance of the Nvivo 12 software program. Key results The interviews showed that goats were a profitable and liquid asset for farmers. Income from goats was used for small expenses that occurred frequently or at short notice, such as household loans or debts, utility and medical costs and buying food and clothing for family members. Goats had socio-cultural purposes, with some farmers preferring to consume goats during celebratory occasions over other livestock species. Managing goats was easy and benefited the wider farming system by providing goat manure to fertilise crop plantations. Conclusions Goat productivity and goats’ unique subsistence and socio-cultural roles can be enhanced by improving goat kid management, goat-house design and cleaning, and by implementing disease management. These activities can be low input. Implications The government policy and future development projects in Laos should focus on increasing goat productivity rather than increasing the scale of farmers’ goat enterprises. The majority of farmers may not benefit from significantly increasing the scale of their goat enterprises because of trade-offs associated with free-grazing management, including goats damaging crops or becoming lost or involved in accidents such as dog attacks and car accidents.

A two-year retrospective cohort study investigating the occurrence and short-term outcomes of dog-bite injures in regional Western Australia

BackgroundDog bite injuries are a preventable yet common cause of animal related hospitalisation. Dog bites in metropolitan areas have been well characterised however there is limited information regarding dog bites in regional areas. This study sought to describe the demographics, clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of patients presenting with dog bite related injuries to Broome Regional Hospital (BRH). MethodsA retrospective cohort study examined all dog bite related injuries presenting to BRH Emergency Department (ED) between July 1st 2021 – June 30th 2023, with the terms “dog” AND “bitten OR bite” in ED triage note. Chart review was performed to extract demographics, clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of dog bite related injuries. ResultsAfter exclusions, 207 patients were identified during the 2-year study period; approximately four dog-bites per week. Median age was 32 (IQR: 32, range 1–97 years old) with 46 % of patients being female. Residents of the Kimberley represented 78 % of presentations for dog bites. Dogs that belonged to or were known to patients were involved in 74 % of cases. The lower limb below the knee (42 %) was most commonly bitten, followed by the distal upper limb (30.5 %) and then face (13 %). Most patients presented on the same-day (67 %), were treated with antibiotics (79 %) and 83 % were discharged on the day of presentation. There were 43 (23 %) patients who required repair in the ED or operating theatre. Thirty-three patients were admitted to BRH. Seven patients required transfer for subspecialty tertiary level care. ConclusionDog-bite trauma is common and consumes significant health resources associated with ED presentations, hospital admissions, theatre usage and transfer in severe cases. A multifaceted approach encompassing education, engineering, and enforcement is required to prevent dog bites.

Replantation of avulsed eyelid followed by use of bioengineered dermal substitute

Eyelid injuries secondary to dog bites are common, particularly ones involving the lacrimal system. Full thickness eyelid avulsion is less often seen after dog bites. We report an unusual case of a young female who underwent replantation of full thickness avulsed eyelid tissue after a dog bite. The skin of the grafted eyelid necrosed postoperatively and was replaced with bioengineered skin substitute resulting in good functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Koala admissions to a wildlife hospital in coastal New South Wales, Australia, over a nine-year period, 2014–2022

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in Australia has been subjected to numerous threats leading to a significant decline in their numbers. The Port Macquarie region serves as a vital habitat for these iconic marsupials. Analysing records of 1227 koalas admitted to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (2014–2022), this study aimed to understand admission causes, temporal trends, and risk factors. Anthropogenic activities accounted for almost half (49.7%) of all admissions with ‘dangerous area’ and ‘motor vehicle accident’ (MVA) being common aetiologies. Young koalas were more susceptible to ‘dangerous area’, ‘MVA’, and ‘dog attack’ than other age groups. Koalas admitted for suspected chlamydia were also a significant contributing factor for admissions, and was most common in young koalas. Overall, the majority of koalas were candidates for rehabilitation or release (54.3%), but mature and aged koalas had the highest odds for mortality. This study highlights the ongoing impact of anthropogenic activities on koalas, emphasises the need for public education and reporting to mitigate risks, and underscores the importance of addressing diseases like chlamydia. These results contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing koala hospital admissions and can inform conservation and management strategies for this iconic Australian species.