Knowledge of students of public schools about Responsible Ownership of pets and Zoonoses

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of public school students of Teresina (PI, Brazil) about Responsible Pet Guard and some Zoonoses. The research was conducted through questionnaires, and their analysis revealed that most students have a pet and know what is responsible ownership. However, the most do not know what zoonosis is. Television was the main source of information, therefore it is suggested that this means of communication be used more intensively to disseminate responsible ownership, animal welfare and Zoonoses. Most students reported that the topic Zoonoses was never addressed in school, demonstrating that the subject should be more discussed. Vaccination is the best known practice of Responsible ownership. The deworming is practiced by 51.82% of the interviewees and castration was cited by 30.36%. Most students reported that that pets only have access to the street accompanied, but 32.05% have stated that their pet has access to the street. This conduct can lead to traffic accidents, injuries from fights with other dogs, bites of people, spread of zoonoses and other problems. Nearly half of the students claimed that their family had abandoned a pet, mainly because of financial difficulties to treat diseases presented by the animal. The main Zoonosis recognized by the students was rabies. Approximately 80% do not recognize Visceral Leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis as Zoonoses. It was concluded that public school students of Teresina have little knowledge about the Responsible ownership and on Zoonoses.