Determinants of the Level of Dog Vaccination against Rabies in Chipata District in Zambia

Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted to determine factors affecting dog vaccination and vaccination statuses of dogs in the Chipata, Zambia in August 2017. A total of 787 households were purposively sampled and data collected using a questionnaire. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were used. The number of dogs kept, marital status, residence and heads of households education level were all significantly associated with having dogs vaccinated, while knowledge of household heads were not. The households in urban area were 0.076 times more likely to take their dogs for vaccination than those in the rural area. Households head who had reach secondary level and above were 0.636 times more likely to take their dogs for vaccination than those who had not. Households were 1.53 times likely to take their dogs for vaccination as a result of cost related to vaccines (cost was not a barrier). Households with less than two dogs were 0.800 more likely to take their dogs for vaccination than those with more than two dogs. In order to control rabies as public health problem, we recommend that households should minimize the number of dogs owned for easy managing. To intensify sensitization of the prevention of rabies. The veterinary department should open up more vaccination points and conduct monthly mobile dog vaccinations.