Cost-Benefit of Rabies Control Using the Intersified Dog control Program in Thailand

Abstract

Rabies is still a major public health problem in Thailand. Because of its untreatable disease, all patients will eventually die. In Thailand, rabies is transmitted from dogs. With respect to WHO studies, 80% of vaccination coverage to dog population in particular areas would produce herd immunity. This could help preventing rabies infection in dog and indirectly in human. This study has an objective to analyze the cost of rabies control in animal, particularly in dog, and postexposure treatment in human. Secondary data in year 2000 will be taken into account. Furthermore the researcher had simulated the model to estimate the cost of rabies control in case of 80% dog vaccination coverage and also estimate the benefit gained. Benefit-Cost ratio of the program would be derived in order to corporate decision making. Empirical results showed that the cost of rabies control both in dog and human was 1,188,446,635 baht in year 2000. The total expenditure on animal activities was lower than human postexposure treatment approximately 427,909,871 baht or 112.5%. While the trend in human treatment was increasing every year, animai control activities were changing quite low. Vaccination cost per visit in dog was 46.54 baht contrary to human was 480.08 baht. Laboratory diagnosis in animal was 2,897.72 baht per sample. In estimating model, when dogs were vaccinated at least 80% during 3 years of program and dog population was increased rather low, the budget required was 99,321,106 baht. Benefit-Cost ratio was 2.04 (r=3%) and 1.36(r=5%). This study recommended that rabies control in animals, particularly in dogs, should be given more attention due to the major cause of spreading and the less operating cost. Plausibly, an expenditure on PET would be indirctly decreased. Another factors that should be mentioned are dog population control, continuing health education and strengthening the role of local authorities to deal with rabies control. These factors can support rabies control activities to carry out effectively.