Animal Bite Trends in Golestan Province: A Rising Public Health Concern
Aug 28, 2024
2024/8/26
A recent cross-sectional study titled “Trend and epidemiological patterns of animal bites in Golestan province (Northern Iran) between 2017 and 2020” provides valuable insights into the alarming increase in animal bite cases in this region. The study underscores the significant rise in incidence rates and its implications for public health.
1. This study examined 33,996 cases of individuals who were bitten by animals in Golestan province over a three-year period. It highlighted that dog and cat bites constituted the vast majority of cases, with dogs accounting for 89% of all bites.
2. Most bites occurred in rural areas (67.6%), indicating a close relationship between agricultural activities and animal bites. Notably, 36% of the victims were under 19 years of age, and men accounted for 78.5% of the total cases.
3. A sharp seasonal trend was observed, with animal bites peaking during the spring months (30.8%). The lower limb was the most commonly affected area (64.6%), and most victims received incomplete post-exposure prophylaxis (87%).
4. The incidence rate of animal bites in Golestan rose to 652 cases per 100,000 people by 2020, a figure nearly three times the national average. This study calls for revisiting current animal bite management programs to reflect regional epidemiological patterns and address the rising incidence.
Introduction
Animal bites, particularly from dogs and cats, present a serious public health concern in many regions. In Golestan province, located in Northern Iran, the incidence of animal bites has steadily increased over the years, driven by a combination of environmental, agricultural, and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological trends of animal bites over a three-year period and to assess how demographic factors, such as age, gender, and rural versus urban living, influence bite incidence.
The province, being a hub for agriculture and animal husbandry, experiences high levels of human-animal interaction, particularly in rural areas. Consequently, individuals engaged in these occupations are more exposed to the risk of animal bites, a fact reflected in the study’s findings. The research offers a critical understanding of how animal bites can impact public health and emphasizes the need for more effective preventive measures.
Method
This cross-sectional study analyzed all cases of animal bites reported to rabies prophylaxis centers in Golestan province between March 2017 and March 2020. In total, data from 33,996 cases were collected, encompassing both demographic details (age, gender, occupation) and specifics about the bite (type of animal, time and place of bite, and medical treatment received).
The study used descriptive statistics to categorize the types of animal bites, time trends, and regional distribution. The data was processed using SPSS version 19, and QGIS version 3.1 was used for mapping the incidence trends. Comparisons were also made between provincial data and national bite statistics from 2013-2020 to observe the broader context of animal bite trends in Iran.
Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences. The confidentiality of patient data was strictly maintained, with all data anonymized prior to analysis. The study adhered to national norms for medical research, ensuring the ethical integrity of the findings.
Result
1. Incidence of Animal Bites
The study revealed a marked increase in the incidence of animal bites in Golestan province, rising from 492 cases per 100,000 people in 2013 to 652 cases by 2020. This represents a significant rise in bite-related injuries, nearly three times the national rate. The highest incidence rates were found in the counties of Gomishan, Aliabad, and Maraveh-Tappeh, each reporting over 930 cases per 100,000 individuals.
A seasonal trend was also observed, with the majority of bites occurring in the spring and summer months. The study recorded 30.8% of bites in the spring, coinciding with increased agricultural and outdoor activities. The data suggests that the expansion of animal husbandry and farming during these months may contribute to the spike in bite incidents.
The lower limb was the most commonly affected area, with 64.6% of all bite injuries targeting this region. This finding is consistent with global trends, as animals typically bite the legs and feet during attacks. The rising incidence rate highlights the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies in high-risk rural areas.
2. Demographics of Victims
Men accounted for the majority of animal bite victims, with 78.5% of the cases involving male individuals. This gender discrepancy is attributed to the fact that men are more likely to be involved in occupations such as farming and animal husbandry, which expose them to higher risks of animal attacks. Similarly, 67.6% of all cases occurred in rural areas, further linking the incidence of bites to agricultural activities.
Children and adolescents were disproportionately affected, with the age groups of 1-9 years and 10-19 years accounting for 18.8% and 19.2% of the cases, respectively. This suggests that younger individuals are at greater risk of being bitten, likely due to their increased curiosity and interactions with animals. In comparison, the risk of bites decreased with age.
Interestingly, while rural communities saw the highest number of bites, urban areas were not immune. Approximately 32.4% of cases were reported from urban regions, reflecting a growing trend of domestic animal ownership and interaction in cities. The study calls for enhanced public education efforts aimed at younger age groups and rural workers, who are most at risk.
3. Treatment and Prophylaxis
A significant finding of the study was that 87% of bite victims did not complete the full course of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This incomplete vaccination coverage poses a substantial risk, especially in high-incidence areas where rabies transmission is a major concern. Furthermore, only 18% of the victims received immunoglobulin as part of their treatment, indicating that there are gaps in the availability or administration of this critical therapy.
The study also revealed that nearly half of the biting animals (49%) had known owners, raising questions about the role of pet and livestock management in preventing bites. This statistic suggests that better control and vaccination of domestic animals could help reduce the incidence of animal bites and improve overall public health outcomes.
Despite the high number of bite incidents, only one case of human rabies was reported during the study period, likely due to the widespread availability of PEP services. However, the study warns that without improved vaccination and public awareness programs, the risk of rabies outbreaks remains. Incomplete PEP coverage remains a significant public health challenge, especially in rural areas.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the rising incidence of animal bites in Golestan province, particularly in rural communities. The increasing trend, nearly three times the national average, emphasizes the need for comprehensive prevention and vaccination programs. Public education, better pet management, and complete post-exposure prophylaxis are critical steps toward mitigating the risks posed by animal bites.
Paper URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252058
