Incidence and characteristics of dog bites in three remote Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland, Australia, 2006-2011

Incidence and characteristics of dog bites in three remote Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland, Australia, 2006-2011 Journal Article

Journal of Veterinary Behavior

• Author(s): West, Caryn, Rouen, Christopher
• Published: 2019
• Edition: 5 February 2019
• ISBN: 1558-7878

Link to resource Report broken link

Abstract: Dog bites are a worldwide public health concern that can cause serious injury, psychological trauma, disease and death while also affecting animal welfare. This study analyzes dog bite injury data from a clinical file audit performed at Primary Health Care Clinics in three remote Indigenous communities within Far North Queensland, Australia over the period from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2011. There were 229 dog bite presentations involving 201 individuals. An overall incidence rate of 16.5 per 1,000 population was found across the communities. Incidence rates were highest in 35-44 year olds, did not vary with gender of victim, varied between communities and significantly decreased after the strengthening of alcohol restrictions mid-way through the study period. Development of a specific dog bite monitoring system through the Primary Health Care Clinics could enhance knowledge of human-dog interactions, assist in the development of mitigation strategies to reduce dog bites and determine their effectiveness.

• Urls: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787818302235
• Keywords: dog bite, injury, human-dog interaction, Australia, alcohol