Knowledge, Perception and Awareness of Dog Related Zoonosis in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

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.