Survey of Stray Dogs Population, Knowledge and Attitude of People in Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, February 2014

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. After symptoms appear rabies is always fatal in animals.
Methods: Ratchaburi Livestock Office cooperates with Ratchaburi public health office to survey stray dogs population in Photharam district, Ratchaburi province. People who live in 1 km around surveyed stray dogs area will be randomized to answer the questionnaire about rabies disease cognition and attitude with stray dogs.
Results: Data were collected and calculated by Capture-Recapture of Chapman Estimator Method (CR) found 110.49 stray dogs in 11 surveyed areas. Comparing with number of stray dogs from the stray dog feeding (107 stray dogs), there are no significance statistical differences between two methods from paired t-test analysis (P=0.616, 95%CI = -1.61-1.01). The questionnaire found that people understand the methods that can depopulate stray dogs is neutering and chemical contraception 96.32%, carrier of rabies disease not only dog but also mammals 88.95%, suspected reservoir dogs must be controlled in restrict area at least 10 days 78.42%, Disturbed dogs do not make them obedient 62.63%. However people still lack of cognition about the first age can be vaccinated their pet to prevent rabies disease 84.21%, preliminary practice after bitten by dogs 71.05%, disease is not associated with the season 67.37%, and infected animal can express depressed behavior 46.32%. Attitude about stray dogs are dirtiness 93.68%, Noise 85.79%, Stink 78.95%. Willingly to help the stray dogs by donate money 73.16%, donate food 54.2% and provide shelter 54.2%. Organizations that should be involved in the management of stray dogs is Public Health 95.26% Livestock office 88.42% Local administration 82.11%.