Population density and ecology of dogs in Nigeria : a pilot study.

Abstract

Summary: The population dynamics of dogs is an important factor in the epidemiology of endemic canine rabies. Lack of reliable estimates of dog populations hampers rabies campaigns in developing countries, as costbenefit analysis of strategies cannot be made accurately. The WHO Guidelines for dog rabies control has stressed the need for research on dog populations and ecology in urban and rural areas. Determination of dog population density (dogs/km2) from established indicators of dog abundance (dog to human ratio and dogs per household) is one recommended procedure. Using a questionnaire, we carried out a pilot study in selected urban and rural areas of Nigeria, in order to establish the population density and structure of owned dogs, differences in frequency distribution and population densities of dogs in households in urban and rural areas, and factors which promote straying of owned dogs. More dogs were owned by urban households than in the rural areas. The association between the number of dog-owning households and locality (urban or rural) was highly significant. There was also a significant association between the number of dogs in a household and locality. The dog to man ratios for urban and rural areas were also calculated. By both indicators, the abundance of dogs in the urban area was twice that of the rural areas. Calculated from the dog to human ratios and projected human population densities, the population density of owned dogs in the urban (131/km2) was 8.8 times that in the rural areas (15/km2). The male:female ratios and age distribution of dogs for urban and rural areas were also calculated. The epidemiological and public health implications of large urban dog populations, partial confinement and free range of owned dogs in urban and rural communities include promotion of straying, gathering of dogs in packs, easy contact with strays and wildlife, and increased risk of human exposure to dog bites and to rabies.