Knowledge, Perception and Awareness of Dog Related Zoonosis in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria
Adams E. G. *
Department of Biological Science, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria.
Asuquo Akanimo
Department of Biological Science, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria.
Bassey B. E.
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: The interaction of humans and animals especially dogs, has made zoonotic diseases remain a genuine threat to the health and survival of humans.
Aim: The study was aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and risk perception of dog owners regarding canine and their zoonotic potential in Uyo, Akwa, Ibom.
Methodology: Structured questionnaires were employed for the cross sectional study.
Result: A total of 200 respondents were employed for the study and all (100%) were aware that some animal diseases (zoonoses) are transmissible to humans, including those of dogs. A high level of awareness of 100% (200) was recorded for rabies and its route of transmission (bite) and 75% (157) for dermatophytosis while 96.5% (193) were ignorant on dog helminthic zoonosis. Some of the encountered factors that predisposed infectivity included: compromised sanitary conditions of the kennel (50%), inappropriate disposal of dog feces (51.5%), poor veterinary attention (58%), and feeding of dogs with both raw animal products and household leftovers (53%).
Conclusion: This revealed a high potential of zoonotic infectivity among the human population in the area, mostly on zoonotic helminth infections, as they were misperceived. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness, strategy formulation, and implementation toward the control and eradication of zoonotic diseases.
Keywords: Zoonoses, dogs, awareness, veterinary, zoonotic diseases, zoonotic potential, bacterial diseases