Rabies remains a major public health threat in Pakistan, where domestic dogs are the primary reservoir for the virus. Despite the disease being preventable through timely vaccination and medical care, human deaths continue to occur. A cross-sectional survey of 1,466 respondents across diverse rural and urban regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa examined public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding canine rabies.
The results revealed profound gaps in awareness. Most notably, the juvenile population under 18 years showed little knowledge of clinical signs of rabies in animals—an important barrier to recognizing and responding to risk. Across the entire sample, 75% of respondents had never received a rabies vaccination, and 60% did not seek medical care after a suspected dog bite. More than half reported inadequate access to proper rabies treatment facilities.
Pet ownership did not appear to improve knowledge. Individuals who kept dogs at home were less likely to be vaccinated and more likely to forego medical care after a bite. These behaviors were statistically associated with a higher likelihood of reporting a rabies-related death within their families.
The study underscores that rabies mortality in Pakistan is driven not only by viral transmission but also by preventable human behavior—limited awareness, poor risk assessment, and insufficient healthcare access. These factors combine to perpetuate a cycle of avoidable deaths, particularly among children and underserved households.
By highlighting specific demographic and behavioral risk patterns, the research provides essential guidance for developing targeted awareness campaigns, improving community education on rabies prophylaxis, and strengthening local healthcare infrastructure. Such interventions are critical for reducing human fatalities from a disease that remains entirely preventable.
Source: Ahmed, T., Hussain, S., Ricketson, R., et al. (2020). Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey of canine rabies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Province of Pakistan. BMC Public Health.
