Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece
Abstract Background Dog bite injuries pose substantial traumatic and zoonotic risks worldwide. Surveillance remains insufficient globally. This study assessed the epidemiology of dog bites in Greece with the aim to identify risk factors relevant for broader public health strategies. Methods A nation...
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Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00771-8 |
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| author | Georgios Dougas Maria Gkova Kassiani Mellou |
| author_facet | Georgios Dougas Maria Gkova Kassiani Mellou |
| author_sort | Georgios Dougas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Dog bite injuries pose substantial traumatic and zoonotic risks worldwide. Surveillance remains insufficient globally. This study assessed the epidemiology of dog bites in Greece with the aim to identify risk factors relevant for broader public health strategies. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023, analyzing dog-bite injuries reported by public hospitals and primary health units. Demographic, clinical, and exposure data were collected and examined alongside dog ownership patterns. Results A total of 2,820 dog-bite injuries were reported, corresponding to an annual frequency of 26.9 cases per 100,000 residents. The incidence of medically attended dog bite injuries varied among regions ranging from 3.1 to 72.6 cases per 100,000 population $$\:{(\chi\:}^{2}\left(12\right)=1019.96,\hspace{1em}p<0.001)$$ . Bite frequency was positively associated with stray-to-owned dog ratio $$\:{(R}^{2}=0.696,\hspace{1em}p<0.001)$$ . Lower limbs were the most commonly affected site (50.9%), while head and neck injuries predominated in children aged 0–9 years $$\:\left({\chi\:}^{2}\right(32)=226.50,\:\:p<0.001)$$ . Tissue loss was documented in 9.3% of cases, with phalangeal amputation recorded in 0.9%. Hospitalization was required in 4.9% of cases. Conclusions Dog bites represent a significant but underrecognized public health issue. Stray dog populations were identified as a key driver affecting local bite frequencies. Integrating dog bite surveillance into routine health information systems is a critical public health priority globally. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-62353218bb1045f091f47a68f8d4bafb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 3005-0774 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
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| series | Discover Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-62353218bb1045f091f47a68f8d4bafb2025-08-20T03:45:22ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-06-0122111110.1186/s12982-025-00771-8Public health implications of dog bite injuries in GreeceGeorgios Dougas0Maria Gkova1Kassiani Mellou2National Public Health OrganizationNational Public Health OrganizationNational Public Health OrganizationAbstract Background Dog bite injuries pose substantial traumatic and zoonotic risks worldwide. Surveillance remains insufficient globally. This study assessed the epidemiology of dog bites in Greece with the aim to identify risk factors relevant for broader public health strategies. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023, analyzing dog-bite injuries reported by public hospitals and primary health units. Demographic, clinical, and exposure data were collected and examined alongside dog ownership patterns. Results A total of 2,820 dog-bite injuries were reported, corresponding to an annual frequency of 26.9 cases per 100,000 residents. The incidence of medically attended dog bite injuries varied among regions ranging from 3.1 to 72.6 cases per 100,000 population $$\:{(\chi\:}^{2}\left(12\right)=1019.96,\hspace{1em}p<0.001)$$ . Bite frequency was positively associated with stray-to-owned dog ratio $$\:{(R}^{2}=0.696,\hspace{1em}p<0.001)$$ . Lower limbs were the most commonly affected site (50.9%), while head and neck injuries predominated in children aged 0–9 years $$\:\left({\chi\:}^{2}\right(32)=226.50,\:\:p<0.001)$$ . Tissue loss was documented in 9.3% of cases, with phalangeal amputation recorded in 0.9%. Hospitalization was required in 4.9% of cases. Conclusions Dog bites represent a significant but underrecognized public health issue. Stray dog populations were identified as a key driver affecting local bite frequencies. Integrating dog bite surveillance into routine health information systems is a critical public health priority globally.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00771-8BitesWounds and injuriesPublic healthDogsEpidemiologic surveillance |
| spellingShingle | Georgios Dougas Maria Gkova Kassiani Mellou Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece Discover Public Health Bites Wounds and injuries Public health Dogs Epidemiologic surveillance |
| title | Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece |
| title_full | Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece |
| title_fullStr | Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece |
| title_full_unstemmed | Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece |
| title_short | Public health implications of dog bite injuries in Greece |
| title_sort | public health implications of dog bite injuries in greece |
| topic | Bites Wounds and injuries Public health Dogs Epidemiologic surveillance |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00771-8 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT georgiosdougas publichealthimplicationsofdogbiteinjuriesingreece AT mariagkova publichealthimplicationsofdogbiteinjuriesingreece AT kassianimellou publichealthimplicationsofdogbiteinjuriesingreece |