PUBLIC VETERINARY-MEDICINE - PUBLIC-HEALTH - PUBLIC AWARENESS OF RABIES AND COMPLIANCE WITH PET VACCINATION LAWS IN CONNECTICUT, 1993

Objective-To determine the degree of public awareness of rabies and co mpliance with cat and dog vaccination laws in Connecticut in 1993. Des ign-Monthly telephone surveys. Sample Population-1,810 households. Pro cedure-A telephone interview was conducted, using rabies-related quest ions contained in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, with an adult member from households randomly selected statewide by teleph one number. Results of the surveys for the year were aggregated, and w eighted data were analyzed. Results-Ninety percent of respondents had heard about rabies during the preceding year, and 84% considered it a problem in Connecticut. Forty-seven percent of households surveyed own ed dogs or cats. Ninety-three percent of dogs and 80% of cats were rep orted to be vaccinated against rabies. Twenty-two percent of household s with cats had at least 1 cat that was not current on rabies vaccinat ion. Clinical Relevance-in Connecticut, an epizootic of rabies in racc oons was accompanied by a high degree of awareness of rabies and rate of reported vaccination of dogs and cats. However, vaccination of cats was less common than that of dogs. Public education efforts should em phasize the necessity to vaccinate cats and to avoid contact with unkn own cats in rabies epizootic or enzootic areas. A surveillance system can be used to help evaluate public health programs.