A vague understanding of the biology and epidemiology of echinococcosis by dog owners in Hokkaido, and endemic island for Echinococcus multilocularis in Japan

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 71; no. 1; pp. 105 - 107
• Main Authors: Nonaka, N.(Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo (Japan)), Kamiya, M, Oku, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.01.2009; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Animals; BIOLOGIA; BIOLOGIE; BIOLOGY; canine; CHIEN; Comprehension; CUESTIONARIOS; Dog Diseases - epidemiology; DOGS; Echinococcosis - epidemiology; Echinococcosis - veterinary; Echinococcus; ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS; EPIDEMIOLOGIA; EPIDEMIOLOGIE; EPIDEMIOLOGY; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Japan - epidemiology; parasitic zoonoses; PERRO; QUESTIONNAIRE; QUESTIONNAIRES; Surveys and Questionnaires; ZOONOSE; ZOONOSES; ZOONOSIS; Japan
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.71.105

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.