The use of contraceptives for control of stray dog population and spread of rabies virus in Nigeria

Abstract

Contraceptives are widely used in medical practice for birth control but dearth of information exists on the veterinary use for control of stray dog population in Nigeria. A closed-ended questionnaire survey of 309 dog owners and 333 dogs presented for veterinary care across three states of Nigeria was conducted; to assess the owners’ awareness on use of contraceptives in dogs, vaccination history and demographics of the dogs. Only 23.6 % of the dog owners have good knowledge of contraceptives, although 42.7 % of them were educated up to tertiary level. Of the 333 dog, 47.8 % and 44.1 % were kept as security dogs and pets respectively. Most dog keepers (56.3 %) were not aware that contraceptives can be used in dogs, while 31.0 % of those who are aware have not used any contraception method on their dogs. Reasons adduced for non-use of contraceptives were: unawareness that contraceptives are available for veterinary use (60.4 %), opposition to birth control methods due to religious or cultural belief (15.9 %) and lack of access to the veterinary service providers (4.2 %). Only 76.9 % of the dogs were validly vaccinated against rabies. Statistical association existed between educational levels and awareness/use of contraceptives in dogs. The findings underscore the need for public enlightenment and legislation on use of contraceptives in dogs kept for non-breeding purposes; as contraception is cardinal in control of proliferation of stray dogs, known to be major reservoirs of rabies virus in Nigeria.

Keywords: Anti-rabies vaccination, Contraceptives, Dog owners, Rabies virus, Stray dog population, Nigeria