Dog ecology and rabies knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia.

ABSTRACT: 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 rabi

SUBMITTER: Tenzin T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10881021 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature