Observational study examines U.S. deaths from dog bites and strikes

Photo by Cht Gsml / Unsplash

CDC MMWR Published April 5, 2026 Medically reviewed April 18, 2026 By Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

Key Takeaway

Note: Evidence on U.S. dog bite deaths is observational and lacks reported data.

An observational study examined the number of U.S. deaths resulting from being bitten or struck by a dog. The study's specific design, phase, and total sample size were not reported. The analysis focused on the U.S. population, but no comparator group was defined for the exposure.

No main results were reported for the primary outcome of number of deaths. The study did not provide any specific mortality figures, effect sizes, absolute numbers, or statistical measures such as p-values or confidence intervals. The direction of any trend or finding was also not reported.

Safety and tolerability data related to the exposure were not reported. The study did not list specific methodological limitations. Funding sources and potential conflicts of interest were not disclosed. The practice relevance of the findings for clinicians or public health officials was not reported. Given the absence of reported data, this evidence does not support specific clinical conclusions or changes to practice.