Awareness of tick-borne disease and compliance with using tick preventive products of dog owners in Hong Kong

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• 作者：Maureen V. Boost^a ; ^{htmboost@polyu.edu.hk} ; Choi-yin Tung^a ; Claudia Hoi-Ki Ip^a ; July Fung-oi Man^a ; Toni Wing-tung Hui^a ; Candy Fung-yee Leung^a ; Maggie Yuen-wa Mak^a ; Queeny Yuen^b ; Margaret M. O&rsquo ; Donoghue^a
• 关键词：Compliance ; Prevention ; Tick-borne disease ; Babesia infection
• 刊名：Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• 出版年：2017
• 出版时间：1 February 2017
• 年：2017
• 卷：137
• 期：part_PA
• 页码：97-100
• 全文大小：343 K
• 卷排序：137

文摘

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.