Keywords
Rabies
Post-exposure prophylaxis
Vaccination adherence
Iraq
Stray dog
Abstract
Background. Dog bites are an important public health problem throughout the world because of the risk of rabies transmission. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of reported dog bite cases in Al-Anbar Governorate and to assess the utilization of anti-rabies vaccination.
Methods. We conducted a retrospective surveillance-based study in Al-Anbar Governorate, Iraq, using registered records of dog bite cases reported between 1January 2020 and 31 December 2025. Dog bite records were included in the main analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with documented completion of rabies PEP.
Results. Among 6,927 registered animal bite records, 5,655 (81.7%) were dog bites. The mean age of patients was 20.6±15.5 years, and 4,434 (78.4%) were male. The highest proportion of cases occurred among individuals aged 10–14 years (22.1%). Stray dogs accounted for 4,603 (66.5%) of all animal bite records. Among dog bite victims, 4,837 (85.5%) initiated PEP, but only 1,377 (24.4%) had documented completion of all four vaccine doses. In multivariable analysis, multiple bites were associated with higher odds of PEP completion, while face and head bites, penetrating surface scratches, and RIG administration were associated with lower odds of documented completion.
Conclusion. Dog bites remain a major public health problem in Al-Anbar Governorate, with low documented completion of rabies PEP. Strengthening surveillance, improving follow-up, ensuring vaccine and RIG availability, and implementing One Health rabies prevention strategies are needed.
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