Spatial, spatiotemporal, and epidemiological patterns of animal bites in the population covered by Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Iran, 2015–2025

Animal bites pose a significant public health concern due to rabies risk and associated health and economic burdens. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological, spatial, and spatiotemporal patterns of animal-bite cases among the population covered by Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from 2015 to 2025. This retrospective registry-based epidemiological study included all recorded animal-bite cases ( n = 12,079) at rabies prevention and treatment centers in Torbat Heydariyeh County, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, over a 11-year period. Data on demographics, animal type, incident location, and anatomical site were analyzed using SPSS 26. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and the Cochran–Armitage trend test were used to assess incidence trends. The Significance level was set at 0.05. The crude incidence rate of animal bites showed an overall increasing trend during 2015–2025, with fluctuations over the study period. After a decline during 2020–2021, the incidence rate increased substantially, reaching its highest level in 2024 (513.36 per 100,000 population), followed by a slight decrease in 2025 (475.83 per 100,000 population). Dogs accounted for 83.70% of bites, followed by cats (15.70%). Seasonal incidence peaked in spring (31.80%), followed by summer (29.80%), and was lowest in winter (17.20%). Thighs and legs were the most common anatomical sites (57.50%), and single injuries accounted for 59.60% of cases. Males accounted for 78.00% and rural residents for 65.60% of the cases. Among 11,469 animal-bite cases, six deaths (0.10%) were recorded. Annual incidence increased by 16.33 cases per 100,000 population per year (β = 16.33; 95% CI: 7.13–25.53; p = 0.003). Animal bites remain an important public health concern, with an overall increasing trend in incidence during the study period. Males and rural residents accounted for a higher proportion of reported cases, and dogs were the main biting animals. These findings highlight the need for sustained preventive strategies, public education, and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of animal bites.