Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Dog Bite and Rabies Exposure among Dog Meat Consumers and Processors in Abia State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to find out the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) as it relates to rabies exposure among dog meat consumers and processors in Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered and the respondents comprised of 81 dog consumers and 19 processors. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for the analysis. Results showed that, 100% of the respondents were not previously vaccinated against rabies and consume dog meat in a cooked form. The result also established that 94.7% of the processors and 33.3% of the consumers were previously bitten by dog. Despite the fact that majority of the processors (73.7%) and consumers (71.6%) had prior knowledge of rabies, but on exposure, 72.8% and 70.4% respectively sought traditional methods of treatment following dog bite. A greater percentage (76.5%) believed that clinical rabies had market value more than non clinical rabies because parts from rabid dogs were considered more effective in treatment of some ailments such as malaria, enhancement of libido and spiritual protection, there was no significant association between KAP in relation to dog bite and rabies exposure (p=0.53). This study established that there was a high level of awareness of rabies by consumers and processors in the study area. though rabid dog was not seen as a public health concern but rather associated with medicinal and spiritual values. This belief may pose a health hazard and may militate against the control of rabies in the state.