Investigation of the knowledge level of cat and dog owners about zoonotic diseases

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to investigate the risk status and knowledge level of cat and dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Material and Methods: In this context, data were collected by conducting 208 face-to-face questionnaires to cat and dog owners brought to Aydın Adnan Menderes University animal hospital clinics. The questionnaire study was based on volunteerism and confidentiality and the questionnaire forms were prepared anonymously. The questionnaire included questions determining the demographic characteristics of the participants (age, gender, educational status, region of residence, type of pet), veterinarian control period, pet and household behaviors. The survey results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) package program. Statistical significance level was taken as p<0.05 and frequency and percentage values were given for the variables. Results: It was determined that the age group of the participants was the highest between the ages of 26-61 (75%); 67.8% were women; and 72.1% were college graduates. It was determined that 67.3% of the participants were informed about diseases that could be transmitted from pets to humans, but 61% were not concerned about contracting a disease from pets. Conclusion: According to the data obtained, it was concluded that cat and dog owners largely ignore zoonotic diseases, cats and dogs are made an important member of the household and zoonotic risks are ignored and people should be more informed about the concept of single health.