Dog ecology and rabies knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia

by Tenzin Tenzin, Emmanuel H. Hikufe, Nehemia Hedimbi, Rauna Athingo, Mainelo Beatrice Shikongo, Thompson Shuro, Johannes Iipinge, Nelson Herman, Matias Naunyango, Frenada Haufiku, Josephat Peter, Laina Hango, Sara Gottlieb, Kenneth Shoombe, Nicolai Denzin, Frank Busch, Frederic Lohr, Moetapele Letshwenyo, Gregorio Torres, Conrad M. Freuling, Thomas Müller, Albertina Shilongo

In 2021, a comprehensive dog demographic questionnaire combined with a KAP survey were conducted in the northern communal areas (NCAs) of Namibia with the aim of gaining a better understanding of dog populations, owner behaviour, and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to rabies. The survey of 3,726 households across the eight regions of the NCAs provided insights that will inform interventions in order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia’s dog rabies control strategy. The results showed a relatively low average human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1 indicating a surprisingly high dog population of at least 272,000 dogs in the NCAs, 93% of which appear to be owned but are free-roaming. Data analysis revealed opportunities but also highlighted needs for improvements in rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccinations. Although knowledge, attitude, and practice scores towards epidemiologic and clinical aspects, human rabies prevention, and dog rabies vaccination were deemed to be acceptable, the survey nevertheless revealed deficiencies in certain aspects in some of the population. Interestingly, data seemed to indicate relatively high dog bite incidences per 100,000 people, ranging between 262 and 1,369 and a certain number of unreported human rabies cases. Despite the very high number of dogs, only 50% of dog-owning households reported having vaccinated their dogs. In order to address these issues, the planning, announcement, and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns needs to be adapted to achieve adequate vaccination coverage. Another focus needs to be on rabies awareness and education if Namibia is to be significantly contributing to the global goal of “Zero by 30”.