Management of animal bites within the area of Ascoli Piceno,Marches Region,Italy (2000-2001)

During the years 2000-2001, 284 cases of animal-bite injuries were reported to the Public Health Service of Ascoli Piceno, Marches Region, Italy. The authors have described the ways in which the accidents occurred as well as the clinical and prophylactic measures adopted. Dogs have shown to be responsible for most bites (87.4%) and limbs were the most frequent sites involved (82%). One third of the patients were submitted to antibiotic treatment and 13% of them had their injuries sutured. On veterinary assessment, rabic conditions were ruled out in all the animals observed. The study stresses the importance to actively offer tetanus vaccination services in these circumstances.