Colusa County Animal Bite Report for 2003/2004

A report developed in association with the School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis

June, 2005

Contact: T.E. Houston, PhD.

thouston@arb.ca.gov

Colusa County Animal Bite Report for 2003/2004.

Objective

This report is a descriptive study of animal bites, particularly dog bites, in Colusa County conducted as part of a research project in association with the University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, Davis, California.  The purpose of the study was to determine the extent of dog bites and identify problem areas and potential risk factors that could lead to development of intervention programs to reduce the occurrence of dog bites. 

Introduction

Animal bites are a serious public health concern a source of significant injury and illness due to wounds and infection and the possible exposure to rabies.  It is estimated that animals bite more than 5 million people in the United States each year.  Dog bites account for nearly 90% and cat bites approximately 8% of the total animal bites.  Bites from other small animals, like rodents, ferrets, and rabbits make up about 2%.  Bites from snakes, lizards, and other exotic animals are rare.  Approximately 800,000 people seek medical treatment in emergency departments for bites.  The estimated number of bites actually reported are believed to be only about 10% of the total number of bite incidents that occur.

Dog bites are particularly of concern due to increased civil and criminal liability.  Insurance costs were $345 million dollars in 2002 for homeowner’s liability claims for dog bites.  Health costs are in excess of $102 million dollars per year.  Other costs include workmen’s compensation, lost wages, and sick leave associated costs have not been determined. 

Currently in the United States there are an estimated 65 million dogs in 39.0% of households.  On average households have almost 2 dogs.  There are an estimated 77 million cats in 34% of US households, with an average of 2 cats. 

Dog bites are a highly preventable injury.  Most of the dog bites occur as a result of some interaction with the dog, playing or breaking up a dogfight.  The vast majority of bites are minor, requiring little to no medical attention.  Dog behavior can be misunderstood.  Aggressive behavior in dogs usually takes the form of dominance, particularly within the family, or possessive involving prized toys or treats.  Dominance aggression is towards family members where the dog considers himself the alpha.  The dog does not liked to be reached for, being petted, pushed from a favored spot, or being disturbed while eating.  Protective or territorial aggression occurs from perceived threats from strangers or if the owner is present, the dog perceives a threat to the owner. 

Method

In Colusa County all bite reports are investigated by the county animal control officer under the jurisdiction of the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department. During the 2-year period of 2003-2004, 154 bite incidents were reported to the animal control office.  Of these in 2003, 2 were out of county and 1 of unknown location.  In 2004 there were 2 out of county reports.  These 5 were removed from the analysis, leaving 149 bite reports for the county.  Table 1 lists the bite incidents for the county in 2003 and 2004 and the relative percent of the total reports.

Continue to Page 2

top of page