Incidence and Risk Factors associated with Rabies and Dog Bites among Dogs Involved in Bites in Plateau State, Nigera between 2011 and 2012 -

This study investigated the incidence of rabies among dogs involved in bites and the risk factors associated with rabies infections and dog bites in Plateau State, Nigeria, between January 2011 and December, 2012 using the fluorescent antibody test, the mouse inoculation test and questionnaire analysis. The overall incidence observed was 46.7% (150/321), with males and females representing 27.7% (89/321) and 19.0% (61/321) of the overall incidence respectively. This was statistically insignificant (P> 0.05). In relation to dog breeds, incidence rates observed were 45.8% (147/321), 0.3% (1/321), 0.6% (2/321) and 0.0% (0/321) for Local, Alsatian, Rottweiler and Caucasian respectively which was statistically insignificant. Based on rabies vaccination status, vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs had incidence rates of 1.2% (4/321) and 45.5% (146/321) which was statistically significant (P 36 months 19.0% (61/321), followed by dogs within the age group 0-6 months 11.8% (38/321), while the lowest was among those within the age bracket >30-36 months 1.6% (5/321). This was was highly statistically significant (P60 years of age 2.2% (13/321). In relation to sex, incidence of dog bite was higher among males 57.6% (185/321) than females 42.4% (136/321). Risk factors analysis indicated that level of awareness of rabies, lack of vaccination of dogs against rabies, the bitten of pet dogs by stray dogs and the capture of trade dogs from the wild are associated with the incidence of rabies in the study area. This study observed a high incidence of rabies among dogs involved in bites and a higher incidence of dog bites among children between the age brackets 0-10 and 11-20. It is recommended that there should be increased veterinary education on the public health risk of rabies in the study area and the necessity of prevention through animal intervention.