title: Awareness of tick-borne disease and compliance with using tick preventive products of dog owners in Hong Kong.
abstract: Tick-borne disease in dogs is common in South-east Asia and includes babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can be largely prevented by compliant use of tick preventive products. This study investigated knowledge of ticks and tick-borne disease and use of tick preventive agents by a large sample of dog owners in Hong Kong. A total of 492 valid questionnaires were completed by owners attending veterinary practices, approached by researchers at common dog-walking areas, or targeted via local social media sites for pet owners. A high proportion of respondents were aware of tick-borne disease (79%) and this correlated well with use of preventive products. However, 18% of owners did not use any protection, mainly due to lack of knowledge of the risk of disease. Targeted advice stressing the importance of tick protection use and frequent follow-up at veterinary clinics could help reduce the risk of tick-borne disease. It would be beneficial if veterinarians provided training of frontline staff at the clinics to ensure they provide essential information to clients in an easily understandable format.
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Electronic address: htmboost@polyu.edu.hk.
authors.forename: Maureen V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Boost
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Choi-Yin
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Claudia Hoi-Ki
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Ip
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: July Fung-Oi
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Man
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Toni Wing-Tung
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Candy Fung-Yee
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Maggie Yuen-Wa
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Mak
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Queeny
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.affiliation: Squina Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: O'Donoghue
mesh_terms: D056810:Acaricides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs / Q000469:parasitology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D017282:Tick-Borne Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission
chemical_list: D056810:Acaricides
keywords: Babesia infection; Compliance; Prevention; Tick-borne disease