Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Dog Owners: Relevance for Control of Rabies in the Tamale Municipality in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The study was intended to find out the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of dog owners on dogs, rabies and rabies control and make appropriate recommendations to the authorities concerned, in the design of effective awareness campaigns in the control of the disease in the Tamale Municipality. As research and information on rabies is limited in Ghana, it is hoped that this study will serve as the basis on which other research on rabies can be built. An exploratory study was conducted, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using structured questionnaires to interview dog owners, and records at the Ministry of Health and the Veterinary Services Department, were also reviewed. The study revealed that 99% of the study population have knowledge about rabies, but do not know the required procedure for reporting dog bites. Seventy-nine percent of dog owners do not know about the need to register pets. Eighty-six percent of dog owners do not provide any form of housing for their dogs and 48% of them do not know how often they should vaccinate their dogs. Because of some cultural practices and perceptions, dog owners do not see the need to vaccinate their dogs. These cultural practices and perceptions might have, potentially, contributed to the low coverage of anti-rabies vaccinations in the Municipality. Based on the findings of the study, the foll owing key recommendations have been made, for relevant authorities: • The need to establish and strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Veterinary Services in the control of rabies, through immediate feed back; • The Veterinary Services Department in collaboration with the Municipal Assembly should organise regular durbars in the communities to educate community members on rabies and their responsibilities towards dog ownership. • Rabies vaccinations should be free throughout the year, and effort made to enforce the Disease of Animals Act. 1961 to force dog owners to vaccinate their dogs.