A vague understanding of the biology and epidemiology of echinococcosis by dog owners in Hokkaido, an endemic island for Echinococcus multilocularis in Japan.
A questionnaire survey was conducted by giving 14 statements about echinococcosis to 2,070 dog owners residing in Hokkaido in order to evaluate their understanding about the biology and epidemiology of Echinococcus multilocularis. Analysis of the answers revealed that dog owners understood the disease superficially, and there were several points of confusion in their understanding, especially regarding differences in the modes of transmission and disease development in dogs and humans. The results suggest the need for the proper education of dog owners to perform proper prophylactic measures against the disease.
Nonaka
Nariaki
N
Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 18 Nishi 9, Sapporo, Japan. nnonaka@cc.miyazaki-u.ac.jp
Kamiya
Masao
M
Oku
Yuzaburo
Y
D000818:Animals; D032882:Comprehension; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires