title: Lesions caused by animals in the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol in 2010: fact-finding for prevention.
abstract: Lesions caused by animals, in particular by dogs, are a health issue to which public opinion often reacts sensitively. To effectively manage and prevent these events, it is therefore essential to evaluate the public health impact of this phenomenon and to identify the main connected risk factors. The aim of the present survey in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano was to collect various epidemiological variables helpful in understanding the problem at local level. The incidence and impact on Health Services of human lesions by several animal species for the year 2010 is presented, as well as a more detailed analysis of dog bites, giving a profile of the victims and of the animals involved. Different factors (geographical, contextual, seasonal and relational) that can be associated with episodes where dogs react aggressively to humans are illustrated. On the basis of the collected data, recommendations are given to prevent risk situations.
authors.affiliation: Alto Adige Public Health Service-Veterinary Service, District of Bolzano, via Laura Conti, 4-39100 Bolzano, Italy. giulia.morosetti@asbz.it
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morosetti
authors.forename: Marica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toson
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piffer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bites; Cat; Dog; Dog aggression; Epidemiological survey; Lesions; Risk factors; Veterinary public health