Barriers and opportunities for improving dog bite prevention and dog management practices in northern Indigenous communities.

Globally, people living in northern Indigenous communities are at higher risk of dog bites than the rest of the population living in North America, with annual incidence ranging from 0.61 to 59.6/10,000 inhabitants. Considering that rabies is endemic in wild canid populations in certain regions of the Arctic, the prevention of dog bites and the management of dog populations are of crucial importance for public health in these contexts. Most northern communities lack access to veterinary services, mainly due to their remote geographical location and to limited financial resources. Currently, northern Indigenous communities are using different approaches and strategies to prevent dog bites and manage dog populations, but the effectiveness of these approaches sometimes lacks evidence, and their low acceptability may affect their implementation. This study aims to describe (1) the current access and uses of veterinary services, and (2) the perceived barriers and opportunities related to dog population management practices currently implemented, or that could be implemented, in a Naskapi community and an Innu community located in northern Quebec (Canada). Quantitative data were collected through a survey to inhabitants on veterinary services (n = 122). Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews to inhabitants and health professionals to describe how dog population management measures were perceived, and to identify barriers and opportunities related to their implementation (n = 37). Descriptive and inferential analysis (quantitative data) and thematic analysis (qualitative data) were performed. Results show that the two main measures implemented at the time of the study - dog culling and short-duration veterinary clinics - were not perceived as fully acceptable and sustainable. Reinforcing access to veterinary services and other dog-related services, such as shelters and training programs on dogs, was identified as a need to improve dog bites prevention and dog population management in remote Indigenous communities. The implementation of animal health measures should be decided by concerned Indigenous communities to follow decolonial practices. It includes ensuring informed consent of dog owners, improving communication before, during and after interventions, separating veterinary services from rehoming and, most importantly giving back to Indigenous communities the complete leadership over animal health in their communities.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dogs and dog bites in Indigenous northern communities: A mixed methods study.

Introduction: The singular relationship developed over the years between northern Indigenous peoples and dogs has been profoundly changed through historical trauma, settlements and increased use of snowmobiles. Issues related to dogs have become increasingly complex and worrisome with the endemic presence of the rabies virus among Arctic fox populations, and given the fact that northern Indigenous peoples may have a higher risk of dog bites than the general population. This study aimed to investigate factors related to the risk of dog bites in Naskapi and Innu communities located in northern Quebec (Canada) by (1) describing the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding dogs and dog bites in these communities, and (2) analyzing experiences of inhabitants and health professionals with regard to dog bites and their management. Methods: A mixed methods study design that combined an observational cross-sectional survey and individual interviews was used. The survey collected data on KAP regarding dogs and dog bites among 122 respondents. Individual interviews (n = 37) were then conducted with victims of dog bites, owners of dogs that have bitten a person before, and health professionals. Descriptive and inferential analysis (quantitative data) and thematic analysis (qualitative data) were performed. Results and discussion: Results highlighted that 21% of respondents have had a dog bite in their lifetime. Most respondents were not aware of the risk of contracting rabies following a dog bite, although rabies risk perception was associated with risk perception of dogs (linear regression: coefficient = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36-1.02). The odds of being more knowledgeable on rabies were higher (logistic regression: OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.07-7.98) among young adults. Dogs were perceived as both threats and protectors by community members. When the fear of dogs was present, it affected the quality of life of some inhabitants. There was confusion about responsibilities in the management of biting dogs, although protocols to follow after a bite were clear for health care professionals. This study revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge about dog bites and rabies risks in both communities. Results provide important knowledge for the development of interventions adapted to northern Indigenous communities.

Occurrence and Risk Factors of Dog Bites in Northern Indigenous Communities: A Scoping Review.

The relationship between northern Indigenous people and dogs has evolved over the past years alongside events such as colonization, settlement, proliferation of snowmobiling and other socio-cultural and environmental changes. These changes have had negative impacts on this relationship, and with the endemic presence of arctic fox rabies, dog bites have become an important public health burden. The objective of this study was to synthesize the state of knowledge regarding the occurrence of dog bites and associated risk factors in the specific context of northern Indigenous communities. A scoping review was conducted in seven bibliographic databases, from June 2018 to May 2020. From this search, 257 original studies were identified and eight papers were included for final analysis. Annual occurrence of dog bites in northern Indigenous communities ranged from 0.61 to 59.6/10,000 inhabitants. Dog bites affected 27-62.9% of the population in those regions during their lifetime. Very few studies compared the occurrence of dog bites between people living in northern communities with other populations or settings, but available evidence suggests that Indigenous people living in northern communities are at higher risk of dog bites than the rest of the population. Several individual and environmental risk factors were identified in the selected studies, although the strength of evidence varied significantly. Age (children) and gender (male) were well documented individual risk factors. Other factors, such as organizational barriers to dog management and lack of access to veterinary services, were identified and discussed by several authors. The results of this study support concerns about the higher risk of bites in northern Indigenous communities, and underscore the urgent need for more research into the contextual and environmental factors that impact the mitigation of these risks.