Social factors hindering canine rabies vaccination in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire

Objective: In Cote d'Ivoire, rabies is still endemic with 92% of cases is due to dogs. Since 1963,there are measures to eliminate rabies. However, vaccination coverage of dogs remains low, particularly in Bouake, the second largest city of Cote d’Ivoire. Overall rabies vaccination coverage in the district of Bouake is only 7%.This study aims to identify the social factors responsible for the low rabies vaccination coverage of the canine population in Bouake. Method: This mixed methods study took place in Bouake district. As part of a quantitative data collection, a questionnaire-based survey with 169 dog owners was conducted. Additionally, qualitative data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews with populations and institutions. Results: The study shows that most dog owners in Bouake are unaware of rabies as human disease and they associate it to scabies. They perceive rabies as a disease affecting dogs only. In rural areas, where dogs are kept mainly for hunting, vaccination is perceived as an inhibitor of the dog’s abilities to hunt. These knowledge gaps and community practices constitute, among other factors, obstacles to the wide use of canine rabies vaccination. Conclusion: To improve vaccination coverage of dogs in Bouake and its rural areas, awareness campaigns are needed that take the above-mentioned perceptions into consideration.