Estimation of dog population and dog bite risk factors in departments of San Pedro and Bouake in Côte d'Ivoire

Rabies is endemic in Côte d'Ivoire and was identified in January 2017 as a priority zoonosis by all stakeholders in public health. A well-designed integrated national rabies control is essential to attain the objective of zero human deaths from dog rabies by 2030. The current study describes the complementary elements of dog bite risk factors and the dog population estimate that are relevant for planning sustainable interventions. We conducted a transverse survey in 8'004 households in the departments of San Pedro (4'002) and Bouaké (4'002), covering both rural and urban areas. The dog-household ratio was estimated at one dog for three households (0.33) or one dog for 20 people (0.05). The owned canine population on a national level was estimated at 1'400'654 dogs (range 1'276'331 to 1'535'681). The main dog bite risk factors were dog ownership, being male, and living in urban San Pedro Department. The results lay a foundation for public engagement and further steps for mass vaccination of the household dog population to reach vaccination coverage of at least 80%. Stakeholders further recommend raising awareness of dog owners, reinforcing knowledge in school children and young boys, and behavior changes towards domestic animals.