Socio-demography, and rabies situation in the Cape Coast and Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipalities of Ghana

Introduction: a retrospective cross-sectional study on dog ecology and rabies was conducted in the Teshie-Nungua Community of the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality and the Ola community in the Cape Coast Municipality, from 2005 to 2009. The study investigated socio-demographic parameters, canine anti-rabies vaccination coverage and the management of suspected dog bite cases in selected communities in Ghana. Methods: the study used semi-structured questionnaires to interview dog owners and household members and reviewed available records on anti-rabies vaccinations and outbreaks. Results: the majority (53.3%) of respondents came from the Cape Coast Municipality, while 46.7% were from the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality. The annual anti-rabies vaccination coverage was 13.3% and 39.4% in the Ledzokuku-Krowor and Cape Coast Municipalities, respectively. A total of 157 dog bites cases were reported in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality, while 677 cases were reported in the Cape Coast municipality. Rabies was confirmed in 91.4% and 83.3% of samples submitted from suspected rabid dogs in the Ledzokuku-Krowor and Cape Coast Municipalities, respectively. Conclusion: the study concluded that the annual anti-rabies vaccination coverage was very low, while the occurrence of rabies disease was very high. It is recommended to intensify public health awareness on dog ecology and anti-rabies vaccination campaigns.