Sociodemographic factors which predict low private rabies vaccination coverage in dogs in Blantyre, Malawi

Abstract

Although rabies kills approximately 60,000 people globally every year, vaccination of over 70 per cent of the canine population has been shown to eliminate the disease in both dogs and human beings. In some rabies endemic countries, owners are able to vaccinate their dogs through private veterinary clinics. However, uptake of dog vaccinations through private veterinary clinics is often low in many rabies endemic countries. In this study, the authors examined the sociodemographic factors which predicted low private rabies vaccination coverage in Blantyre, Malawi. Data on 23,205 dogs were recorded during a door-to-door rabies vaccination programme in 2016. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify factors associated with private rabies vaccination. Negative predictors of private vaccination included increasing poverty levels, higher housing densities, male dogs, pregnant or lactating dogs, and puppies and dogs allowed to roam. In contrast, neutered and healthy dogs had greater odds of being privately vaccinated. The present study demonstrated that low private rabies vaccination coverage can be accurately predicted by sociodemographic factors. This information may help inform public health interventions which deliver mass vaccination programmes in rabies endemic countries.

Encouraging responsible dog ownership in Africa

“…From these observations, Fissenebert has concluded that the majority of roaming dogs in Arusha are actually owned. This is similar to the situation observed in Blantyre 10 …”

“…[6][7][8][9] A study by Mazeri and colleagues, summarised on p 281 of this issue of Vet Record, investigated the sociodemographic factors that predict low private rabies vaccination coverage in dogs in Blantyre, Malawi. 10 Of the dogs recorded in this study, 99 per cent were owned, but only 3 per cent had been vaccinated independently at a private clinic. The study found that poverty, high housing density and the dog being male, a puppy, pregnant or lactating were negative predictors for private vaccination.…”

“…This is similar to the situation observed in Blantyre. 10 A typical African dog rarely receives veterinary care as people do not see the inancial beneit of it. As the average price of a puppy in Arusha is less than ive US dollars, it is possible for people to simply buy a new dog whenever their existing dog falls sick or dies.…”

“…A study by Mazeri and colleagues, summarised on p 281 of this issue of Vet Record , investigated the sociodemographic factors that predict low private rabies vaccination coverage in dogs in Blantyre, Malawi 10 . Of the dogs recorded in this study, 99 per cent were owned, but only 3 per cent had been vaccinated independently at a private clinic.…”

“…In the case of rabies vaccinations, the perceived availability of vaccines, access to veterinary clinics, provision of educational materials in the villages and cooperation between private entities like Mbwa wa Africa Animal Rescue and the local government are factors that positively influence private vaccination uptake. A lack of clinics, shortage of vaccines and inability to prevent dogs from roaming are factors which discourage private rabies vaccination 10 …”