[Compliance with veterinary surveillance orders at the rabies control center in Abijan, Ivory Coast].

Rabies remains a major health public health problem in many developing countries. This is particularly the case in the Ivory Coast. Surveillance orders play an important role in patient management. The purpose of this transverse study conducted at Abidjan Rabies Control Center from July 1 to September 30, 2003 was to assess compliance with veterinary surveillance orders by owners of animals that have bitten or scratched persons. Persons reporting to the rabies control center after exposure to the risk of rabies infection and owners of the animals that had bitten, scratched, or licked these persons were included in this study. Most animals involved in these cases (94.8%) were dogs including 69.5% that had been vaccinated. Most persons (71.7 %) at risk reported within two days following exposure and 31.3% provided all three veterinary certificates. The mean time required to provide the first certificate was 4.2 days. The gender of the persona at risk and the vaccination status of the animal involved were correlated with compliance with veterinary surveillance orders. Four main difficulties were cited as hindrances for compliance with veterinary surveillance, i.e., cost (373%), distance (28.4%), time (9.9%), and veterinary clinic accessibility (2.5%). These findings indicate that stricter laws and a national prevention program are needed.