Stray Dog Population Research Articles

Behavioral responses to baited enclosure method that activates habituation in stray dogs.

The behavioral mechanism of stray dog occurrence is associated with domestication process. This study aimed to investigate the population and demographic relationship of stray dogs from our ecological habitat. We tested whether baited enclosure method could be used as an operant conditioning treat-ment to activate habituation behavior in stray dogs. The first investigation determined the population and demographic characteristics of stray dogs in the metropolitan city of Bangkok using the mark and recapture procedure. In the second investigation, a large cage equipped with a digital camera was used as the feeding and habituation area. Food was provided at four corners for 2 h. The approach behaviors and eating patterns were recorded during this period for 7 days. The average number of stray dogs calculated within each cluster was 24 ± 6 dogs. For the natural small habitat, the density of stray dogs was 662 dogs per km2. This indicated that the number of dogs is underestimated using the mark and recapture procedure because of undetected puppies and shifts in the sex ratio in adult dogs. In the second investigation, we demonstrated that food was a potent positive reinforcer for stray dogs. The average onset of cage entry after offering the food was 17 min. The onset of cage entry and the reduction in the first meal duration suggested that the habituation process could be achieved within 1 week. The results revealed the possibility of using a large cage as a novel enclosure for food offered as the positive reinforcer for TNR program trapping procedures. We suggest that this humane trapping procedure could be used to activate habituation behavior in stray dogs.

Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e terapêuticos do tumor venéreo transmissível canino no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (2015-2020)

ABSTRACT: Canine transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) have a high incidence in Brazil. This is partly due to the large population of stray dogs and the ineffectiveness of epidemiological control programs. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, and treatments used in dogs affected by TVT. Data were retrospectively collected from the 2015-2020 records of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. A total of 252 dogs were diagnosed with TVT during the study period. Of these, 81.3% were mixed-breed, 50.4% were males, and 88.9% were young or adult animals. The genital region only was affected in 77.3% of cases. Exclusively extragenital lesions were observed in 22.6% of cases. Among the animals seen, 40.1% received no treatment. Of those treated, 99.3% underwent a vincristine sulfate protocol, and in 77.2%, the treatment resulted in total remission of the neoplasm after 4 to 6 chemotherapy sessions. It was concluded that TVT is a neoplasm most often seen in mixed-breed dogs and located in the genital region, with hemorrhagic secretion being the main clinical sign reported by owners. Vincristine sulfate is currently the most used therapy, with high efficacy. However, despite the good prognosis, there was a high rate of non-adherence or abandonment of treatment, and this is an important factor to be considered and addressed by veterinarians.

Study of the activities of the municipal dogs shelters in the city of Stara Zagora and Kazanlak before and after the COVID - 19 pandemic

The purpose of the present study is to study the activity of the municipal shelters for stray dogs in Kazanlak and Stara Zagora for the period 2014-2020 and to make proposals for controlling the stray dog populations. The object of the study is the Municipal Shelters for Stray Dogs in Stara Zagora and Kazanlak for the period 2014-2020. From the research done, it was found that in the Municipal shelter for stray dogs in the city of Stara Zagora, about 340 dogs are captured per year, and in 2020 (the year with restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic) there are only 267 dogs. For comparison, between 200 and 300 dogs are captured in the Municipal shelter for stray dogs in the city of Kazanlak. In 2018, a record number of 392 dogs were captured at this shelter. An analysis shows that a high percentage of captured dogs are subject to castration - up to 56% in Stara Zagora and approximately the same in Kazanlak, where, however, there are also campaigns for castration of yard dogs in the villages. The percentage of dogs returned to the streets in Stara Zagora is low from 6.7 to 36.8%, and in Kazanlak from 17 to 23.4%. As for the adopted animals, in Stara Zagora the results reached 77.2%, and in Kazanlak up to 44% of the captured animals.

Community dog program in five municipalities of Paraná, Brazil

It is necessary to advance the study of stray dog population management strategies because of the vulnerable situation in which stray dogs live which may pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of the Community Dog Program in 5 municipalities in the state of Paraná, listing its main characteristics and the most common challenges encountered. The study was carried out from July to November 2016 in the municipalities of Araucária, Lapa, Pinhais, Piraquara, and Ponta Grossa through their Municipal Health and Environment Secretariats. The Community Dog Program was implemented when the register included 20 dogs per municipality, and it was considered that the secretariats were able to continue the program autonomously. The methodology was based on the pioneer municipalities in the state, Araucária, and Campo Largo, regarding the registration of community dogs. The program was implemented in 5 phases: initial planning, screening of animals, registration of dogs and caretakers, veterinary procedures with animals included in the program, and a final meeting with all involved. The method initially proposed a review required by the field. For example, in the municipality of Piraquara, most dogs (75%, 15/20) did not have a fixed shelter, but met the other criteria. Inadequate handling by the caretakers regarding the supply of food and water to the dogs, the limited structure and human resources of the secretariats to carry out these actions, and the behavior of chasing the dogs were the main challenges of implantation. As for the chasing of moving objects by animals, there was a greater tendency for dogs to exhibit such behavior as adults, with time spent in the place of 1 to 5 years and in front of homes. The methodology used in the 5 municipalities proved to be applicable for the implementation of the Community Dog Program, as it allowed a list of relevant characteristics for population management and the most common challenges. The experience of implementing the program in 5 municipalities has the potential to support the construction of a guiding protocol to facilitate its implementation in other municipalities.

Seroprevalence and predisposing factors of rabies antibodies in unvaccinated dogs in Sierra Leone.

This study determines the seroprevalence and associated factors of rabies in unvaccinated dogs in Sierra Leone. Rabies control is poorly coordinated in Sierra Leone which was ranked as the third hungriest country in the world. Due to limited access to rabies vaccines, the need for comprehensive serological data on dogs for control of the disease is expedient. A random multistage technique considering high, medium and low incident areas of rabies cases in dog-populated communities was adopted. Samples were collected from dogs with owners which were at least 1-year old. Samples were analysed using a commercial ELISA in accordance to manufacturer's instructions. 25.2% of the total 270 samples tested positive for the presence of rabies antibodies. Kenema district had the highest number of positive samples, followed by the Bombali district and Moyamba district the least. Predisposing factors, including sex, the status of castration, the type of settlement, district and the availability of fences at locations where dogs are kept, had significant effects (p<0.05) on the exposure of dogs to rabies. The 25.2% antibody seroprevalence obtained is very low. Concerted effort should be made to enhance rabies vaccination through an awareness campaign and provision of vaccine to dog owners. Good waste disposal and management practices to reduce open garbage disposal in communities will go a long way to limit the stray-dog population and minimize rabies outbreaks especially in third-world countries where rabies vaccines are not accessible.

Cystic Echinococcosis: An Impact Assessment of Prevention Programs in Endemic Developing Countries in Africa, Central Asia, and South America

Background. Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the tapeworm species, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1), is one of many primary neglected zoonoses worldwide. Within endemic developing countries, CE has multiple effects on animal and human health and well-being. To address such effects, veterinary and human medical sector collaboration on prevention program delivery is essential. To begin preliminary evaluations of county specific prevention programs, a critically appraised topic (CAT) was conducted. It sought to answer: What impact do CE prevention programs have on human and animal disease prevalence, in populations living in endemic developing countries within Africa, Central Asia, and South America? Methodology. The aim was to assess the ability of prevention and control program outputs to produce measurable differences in health, social, and economic outcomes (e.g., improved access to medical services, positive behavioral change, or reduced treatment costs, respectively). Included articles were obtained using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria from the four databases (CAB Abstracts and Global Health; the National Library of Medicine (PubMed); ScienceDirect; and WHO Institutional Repository of Information Sharing (IRIS)). The articles were appraised using three checklists: the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP), and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Results. Ten articles were selected. Geographically, 20% of studies were conducted in South America, 30% in Africa, and 50% in Central Asia. For definitive hosts, dogs, CoproELISA antigen testing, before and after Praziquantel (PZQ) de-worming, was a primary focus. For humans, who are intermediate hosts (IH), disease surveillance methods, namely ultrasound (US), were commonly assessed. Whilst for sheep, also acting as IH, disease prevention methods, such as the EG95 livestock vaccine and de-worming farm dogs, were evaluated. Common to all studies were issues of program sustainability, in terms of regular human US screening, dog de-worming, and annual sheep vaccination. This was attributed to transient and remote human or animal populations; limited access to adequate roads or hospitals; few skilled health workers or veterinarians; an over-reliance on communities to administer preventatives; and limited resources. Conclusion. Despite variations in result validity and collection periods, useful comparisons of CE endemic countries produced key research and program recommendations. Future research recommendations included testing the significance of multiple program outcomes in relation to prevalence (e.g., the social outcome: behavioral change), further research on the impact of livestock vaccinations, and the CE transmission role of waterways and sanitation. Program recommendations included calculating and distinguishing between stray versus owned dog populations; formal representation of internal and external stakeholder interests through institutional organization; establishing sustainable guidelines around the frequency of PZQ and vaccination administration; improved veterinary-human medical training and resource sharing; and combined prevention methods and multiple canine disease management.

A comparative analysis of stray dogs color in Yakutsk

In this study we consider the frequency of coat color variation among Yakutsk stray dogs. The study was carried out at the same time in three city districts: Centralniy, Saysarskiy and Stroitelniy. The districts differ in urban development and population density of stray dogs. The Stroitelniy and Saysarskiy Districts belong to a one-two-storey residential type of the building, the Centralniy one to a multi-storey residential type. 8 types of colors were distinguished: black, white, red, wolf-gray (agouti), yellow with a mask, black-backed, white large-spotted and black with white spots. The analysis of the morphs was carried out in percent, as well as Zhivotovskys indications: the average number of morphs (), proportion of rare phens (h), phonetic similarity of groups (r). The most frequent is a black-backed color 21,42% (95% confidence interval: 17,3326,92). The wolf-gray type of color 18,56% (CI: 14,0025,00) and the black with white spots type 15,62% (CI: 11,5420,00) are also very frequent. The white large-spotted color (4,62% CI: 3,336,67) is the least frequent among the selected types. It is proved that the population of stray dogs in Yakutsk is quite homogeneous. One-to-one comparison of stray dog groups from different districts of Yakutsk showed that the groups from the Centralniy and Stroitelniy Districts turned out to be the closest (r = 0,972 0,024). The lowest connection between dogs groups were observed in the Saysarskiy and Stroitelniy Districts (r = 0,933 0,029). The collation of the Centralniy and Saysarskiy Districts also revealed an analogy between these groups of stray dogs (r = 0,956 0,034). Therefore, the morphotype of stray dogs in Yakutsk is formed mainly without any human influence, mostly have a random pattern. Conditions of life can impact to the selection; as a result the most accommodated individuals survive on the street in the region with a severe climate.

Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Testes after Non-Surgical Sterilization of Male Dogs with CaCl2 in Alcohol.

Simple SummaryThe uncontrolled stray dog population presents a serious threat to public health due to the increased risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases and inflicting human injury. There is a growing interest in non-surgical chemical sterilization via intratesticular injection of chemical neutering agents such as calcium chloride, which causes sterility due to azoospermia. In this study, we monitored immediate vascular alterations in dogs from chemical sterilization, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before and after intratesticular inoculation with calcium chloride. The CEUS is an imaging technique used to obtain a quali-quantitative assessment of tissue perfusion by intravenously injecting gas-filled microbubble contrast agent. The CEUS evaluation was performed in canine testes before and after intratesticular inoculation with calcium chloride. Our results showed that the hardening agent caused a drastic reduction of the intratesticular blood flow, which was reflected by sonographic findings. CEUS can help clinicians define immediate testicular vascular alterations achieved by chemical castration. Nevertheless, more studies are required to apply this methodology to more subjects in a broader weight range among stray dogs.Sterilization by intratesticular injection of chemical agents is a non-surgical alternative to neutering male companion animals. We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to monitor vascular alterations to testes immediately after the intratesticular injection of CaCL2 in alcohol. We evaluated the CEUS features of normal and damaged testes in 20 dogs after the intratesticular injection of CaCl2. The CEUS evaluation was performed at the site of the chemical agent inoculation. In treated testes, qualitative CEUS showed a lower intensity enhancement of the parenchyma than pre-treatment normal testes with a predominantly anechoic pattern and only a few hyperechoic vascular focal spots. Quantitative CEUS showed significantly lower values of time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters, including signal intensity (Peak: 4.72 ± 2.1), regional blood volume (RBV: 134.3 ± 63.7), and regional blood flow (RBF: 4.36 ± 2.18) than normal testes (p < 0.001). Sonographic findings from CEUS showed hypovascularization of the canine testicular parenchyma caused by the hardening agent. This diagnostic technique helps clinicians define testicular vascular alterations achieved by chemical castration more efficiently. Nevertheless, more studies are required to apply this methodology to more subjects with a broader weight range and stray dogs.

Stray Dogs and Public Health: Population Estimation in Punjab, India.

The overpopulation of stray dogs is a serious public health and animal welfare concern in India. Neglected zoonotic diseases such as rabies and echinococcosis are transmitted at the stray–dog human interface, particularly in low to middle-income countries. The current study was designed to estimate the stray dog populations in Punjab to enhance the implementation of animal birth and disease (for example, rabies vaccination) control programs. This is the first systematic estimation of the stray dog population using a recommended method (mark–re-sight) in Punjab, India. The study was conducted from August 2016 to November 2017 in selected villages or wards in Punjab. For the rural areas, 22 sub-districts in each district were randomly selected, then one village from each of the 22 selected sub-districts was selected (by convenience sampling). For urban areas, 3 towns (less than 100,000 human population) and 2 large cities (more than or equal to 100,000 human population) were randomly selected, followed by convenience selection of two wards from each of the 5 selected towns/cities. To estimate the dog population size, we used a modified mark–re-sight procedure and analysed counts using two methods; the Lincoln–Petersen formula with Chapman’s correction, and an application of Good–Turing theory (SuperDuplicates method; estimated per km2 and per 1000 adult humans and were compared between localities (villages vs. towns), dog sex (male vs. female) and age group (young vs. adult) using linear mixed models with district as a random effect. The predicted mean (95% CI) count of the dogs per village or ward were extrapolated to estimate the number of stray dogs in Punjab based on (a) the number of villages and wards in the state; (b) the adult human population of the state and (c) the built-up area of the state. Median stray dog populations per village and per ward using the Lincoln–Petersen formula with Chapman’s correction were estimated to be 33 and 65 dogs, respectively. Higher estimates of 61 per village and 112 per ward are reported using the SuperDuplicates method. The number of males was significantly higher than the number of females and the number of adult dogs was about three times the number of young dogs. Based on different methods, estimates of the mean stray dog population in the state of Punjab ranged from 519,000 to 1,569,000. The current study revealed that there are a substantial number of stray dogs and a high number reside in rural (versus urban) areas in Punjab. The estimated stray dog numbers pose a potential public health hazard in Punjab. This impact requires assessment. The estimated stray dog numbers will help develop a dog population and rabies control program in which information about the logistics required as well as costs of implementing such programmes in Punjab can be incorporated.

Review of Oral Rabies Vaccination of Dogs and Its Application in India.

Oral rabies vaccines (ORVs) have been in use to successfully control rabies in wildlife since 1978 across Europe and the USA. This review focuses on the potential and need for the use of ORVs in free-roaming dogs to control dog-transmitted rabies in India. Iterative work to improve ORVs over the past four decades has resulted in vaccines that have high safety profiles whilst generating a consistent protective immune response to the rabies virus. The available evidence for safety and efficacy of modern ORVs in dogs and the broad and outspoken support from prominent global public health institutions for their use provides confidence to national authorities considering their use in rabies-endemic regions. India is estimated to have the largest rabies burden of any country and, whilst considerable progress has been made to increase access to human rabies prophylaxis, examples of high-output mass dog vaccination campaigns to eliminate the virus at the source remain limited. Efficiently accessing a large proportion of the dog population through parenteral methods is a considerable challenge due to the large, evasive stray dog population in many settings. Existing parenteral approaches require large skilled dog-catching teams to reach these dogs, which present financial, operational and logistical limitations to achieve 70% dog vaccination coverage in urban settings in a short duration. ORV presents the potential to accelerate the development of approaches to eliminate rabies across large areas of the South Asia region. Here we review the use of ORVs in wildlife and dogs, with specific consideration of the India setting. We also present the results of a risk analysis for a hypothetical campaign using ORV for the vaccination of dogs in an Indian state.

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys in stray dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stray dogs may be highly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), including zoonotic agents, and therefore may pose a high risk of spreading infections to other animals and humans. Among the Anaplasmataceae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys and Ehrlichia canis are commonly identified species in dogs in Europe; however, information on the occurrence of these pathogens in canine populations from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is still lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in stray dogs in the Sarajevo region of B&H and to identify A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis and E. ewingii by molecular techniques. A total of 903 blood samples of stray dogs were screened by SNAP 4Dx Plus Test for the presence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and E. canis/E. ewingii. Real-time PCR assays were performed for the detection of Anaplasmataceae, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis and E. ewingii in seropositive dogs. Antibodies to A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and/or E. canis/E. ewingii were detected in 187 (20.7%) samples. Seroprevalence was highest for A. phagocytophilum/A. platys (184/903, 20.4%). Two dogs had antibodies to E. canis/E. ewingii, while one dog was found to have antibodies to A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and to E. canis/E. ewingii. Forty-eight (25.7%) of the 187 seropositive dogs examined by Real-time PCR were positive for Anaplasmataceae. A. phagocytophilum was detected in 45 (24%) samples, while one sample was positive for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys. Two samples positive for Anaplasmataceae tested negative in the species-specific PCRs. E. canis or E. ewingii could not be detected in any of the Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs. These findings highlight the need for dog health monitoring, improving the health and welfare of stray dog population, and establishment of effective surveillance systems to combat VBDs.

Control of stray dog population by single intratesticular injection of tannic acid

Control of stray dog population by single intratesticular injection of tannic acid

Free-Roaming Dog Surveys in Quito, Ecuador: Experiences, Lessons Learned, and Future Work.

The selection of a survey method of free-roaming dog populations should be based on analyses of local capacities and management priorities. Here, we compare the results of surveys of the stray dog population in Quito, Ecuador, using two different methodologies and propose an alternative method for future surveys in the city. We carried out all surveys in ~5 km-transects in a sample of eight urban and eight rural parishes (16 transects total). In 2018, we used the capture-recapture method to estimate absolute population size and 95% CI. We began transect surveys at 04 h 00 (local time) and identified individuals with photographs. The main limitations of this method were errors in identifying individuals, since photographs were not always clear, partly due to low light conditions during the surveys. This method also required more time and more complex logistics. In 2019, we used distance sampling to estimate population density and began the surveys at 08 h 00 (local time). Errors in the estimation of animal-observer distances and angles were our main concern when using this method. For future surveys, we propose to carry out direct observations of dog abundance (number of free-roaming dogs/km) during street counts, complemented with capture-recapture surveys every 5 years. This alternative method albeit simple, is sensitive enough to (1) provide local authorities with objective assessments of management interventions, (2) better understanding the dynamics of free-roaming dog populations and (3) increasing public awareness about the problem of pet abandonment through citizen participation in the surveys.

Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

Background and Aim: Animal rabies is endemic in Nepal, and it occurs in two forms. Although governmental and non-governmental agencies are working toward the control of rabies by mass dog vaccination and stray dog population management, there is still massive number of rabies incidence reported to the reference veterinary laboratory, Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess animal species, temporal, regional, and agro-ecological distribution patterns of animal rabies in Nepal from 2005 to 2017. Materials and Methods: The epidemiological data on animal rabies from the period of 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The laboratory-confirmed rabies cases were analyzed according to animal species, temporal, regional (developmental zones), and agro-ecological distributions. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution patterns of rabies. Results: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 2771 suspected rabies cases in animals were reported to The Central Veterinary Hospital, Kathmandu. Of which, 1302 were found laboratory-confirmed cases. The rabies cases were most commonly reported and confirmed in dogs followed by other domestic animals. The high occurrences were recorded between 2005 and 2007. However, the incidence was increased during 2016 and 2017. The highest number of rabies cases was recorded in the eastern development zone, and the least number in the central zone at regional level. Likewise, it was highest in the Terai (plain) region and lowest in mountainous areas at agro-ecological zones. The findings also revealed that the occurrences of rabies significantly differed among seasons. Conclusion: Rabies is present in Nepal throughout the year and all seasons with seasonal variation. Among the animal species, dogs are the primary animals affected with rabies followed by cattle and other domestic animals. At the regional level, eastern development zone had the highest incidence and Central development zone recorded the least. Similarly, the Terai region had the highest incidence rates, and the least overall prevalence rate was observed in mountainous regions among agro-ecological zones. Therefore, the government should implement the strict enforcement of mass dog vaccination and dog population management through one health approach to control rabies incidence in the country.

Factors and features of manifestation and distribution of rabies on the territory of the Republic of Tuva

The dynamics and features of animal rabies manifestation on the territory of the Republic of Tuva have been studied. In the Republic of Tuva in the period of 1979-2019 outbreaks of rabies were reported in 1979, 1987, 2007-2009, 2012-2014, 2018-2019. There were 79 adverse locations revealed with 127 laboratory confirmed cases of rabies of four species of wild animals, two domestic carnivores and four agricultural animals. For the first time the cause of the outbreak of rabies was the introduction of infection by wild carnivores from adverse neighboring regions and Mongolia. Subsequently, a natural focus of rabies developed on the territory of the region. The epidemic process of rabies proceeded with five waves of intensity exacerbation, which was facilitated by a sharp increase in the population of wild carnivores, especially wolves, as well as an uncontrolled population of stray dogs with the involvement of domestic and farm animals in the epizootic process. The spread of the disease is influenced by the natural and climatic conditions of the region, the traditional distant pasture management of livestock with the movement of livestock to pastures adjacent to the habitat of wild predators. Domestic and farm animals are attacked by predators, most often wolves and foxes. Infection of animals and humans with rabies occurs through bites with saliva. As a result, rabies foci appear in these areas. Zones of high and low degree of epizootic danger and zones free from rabies have been identified on the territory of the Republic of Tuva. The high-risk areas include the steppe and semi-desert territories of the Ubsu-Nur and Tuva depressions. The mountain-taiga Todzhinsky and Tere-Kholsky regions of the eastern zone are classified as areas of low epizootic danger; Pii-Khem and Kaa-Khem regions of the Yenisei basin of the central zone are classified as rabies-free.

Survey of dermatophytes in stray dogs and cats with and without skin lesions in Puerto Rico and confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS.

Dermatophytosis is a common and highly contagious zoonotic skin disease in companion animals. This disease is a major concern in geographical areas that contain large numbers of stray animal populations. Numerous surveys on dermatophytosis among stray animal populations worldwide range between 27% to 50%. In recent years, the US territory of Puerto Rico was impacted by several natural disasters such as hurricanes, which has led to a large increase of abandonment cases and an increase in the stray animal population. Due to this, large low-cost spay/neuter clinics and trap-neuter-release programs have become a more common practice on the island. During these events, veterinary staff are exposed to multiple animals with no health history, and therefore, zoonotic diseases are of concern. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding the presence of dermatophyte species in symptomatic and asymptomatic stray dogs and cats in a region of Puerto Rico. Hair samples were collected from 99 stray animals with and without dermatological clinical signs. The hair samples were cultured on plates containing rapid sporulation medium and dermatophyte test medium. All cultures were evaluated microscopically to confirm the presence of dermatophytes. Then, all dermatophytes were further evaluated with MALDI-TOF MS to compare both diagnostic tests. A total of 19 animals (19%) were positive for dermatophyte growth. Of these animals, 18/19 were infected with M. canis and 1/19 with Trichophyton spp. Animals with clinical lesions were positive only 13.5% of the time compared to asymptomatic animals, who were positive in 36% of the sample population. All 19 dermatophytes (100%) diagnosed with microscopic evaluation were confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS. Our results indicate that there is a prevalence of 19% of dermatophytosis among the stray dog and cat population of the southeastern coast of the island.

A Retrospective Study of Vertebral Fracture and Luxation in Dogs Presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2015 to 2017

To date, there is data paucity on canine vertebral fracture and luxation (VFL) in the local setting. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the geographical location and stray dog population would influence VFL cases in the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH, UPM). This study aimed to describe the incidence and characteristics of VFL in dogs presented to UVH, UPM. Medical records, including radiographic images of 74 dogs between 2015 to 2017, were reviewed. VFL dominated the spinal cord disease in dogs at 49% (n = 36/74), exceeding intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). Half of VFL cases were contributed by intact male, small breed dogs aged more than one-year-old, with 52% (n = 11/19) of cases caused by vehicular accidents. Almost two-thirds (n = 21/36) of dogs with VFL were outdoor or stray dogs, and the Th3-L3 region was the most susceptible (52%, n = 19/36) for VFL. More than 70% (n = 25/36) of the patients had unstable fractures, highly associated with severity. In conclusion, the occurrence of VFL in UVH, UPM is three times higher than reported in western countries and most likely contributed by a large number of outdoor and stray dogs.

Rescue Pet Android Application

ResQ-Pet caring system is comprehensive system for welfare of stray dogs. In present scenario many stray animals do not have shelter and also starve for food. Very frequently some dogs meet with severe road accidents and necessary care to be taken is not known for many, in such cases it is hard to find emergency contact. There is a necessity to control the population of stray dogs because they act as carriers for various contagious diseases like rabies, brucella etc. Pet adoption is an efficient way to reduce stray dog population. This app helps is keeping track of number of dogs rescued and adopted, also displays some necessary actions to be taken during an emergency. This app also provides a payment portal for donation. The entire operations will be under administration of certain organizations that work for the purpose of stray dog welfare.

Molecular Detection and Risk Factor Analysis of Babesia gibsoni and Babesia vogeli in Naturally Infected Dogs in Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Babesiosis in dogs is endemic in tropical countries like India because of presence of tick vectors as well as reservoir stray dog population round the year. There is paucity of information regarding the prevalence and molecular confirmation of Babesia species in dogs in Andhra Pradesh. The present study was aimed to detect Babesia species in naturally infected dogs in Andhra Pradesh.Methods: During the one-year study i.e. from June 2019 to July 2020, blood samples were collected from 442 tick infected dogs showing clinical signs suggestive of babesiosis to determine the prevalence of Babesia species by microscopy and molecular technique. Factors associated with prevalence of babesiosis were analyzed by logistic regression models.Result: Microscopic examination of stained blood smears revealed 11.8% prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in dogs in the study area, while 28.3% of dogs were found to be positive for Babesia spp. in the first Babesia genus-specific PCR. Further analysis of positive samples with species-specific PCR, Babesia gibsoni and B. vogeli were detected 19.9% and 8.6% of dogs, respectively. Risk factor analysis by binary logistic regression model revealed that the living condition of the dogs, gender, age, medium and tick infestation as risk factors for B. gibsoni and B. vogeli infection.

A Retrospective Study on Dog Bite Associated Rabies in Human and the Use of Post-exposure Prophylaxis in Nepal during 2008 to 2017

A 10-year (2008-2017) retrospective canine-mediated human rabies epidemiology was studied to assess the burden of rabies in Nepal. To this end, the number of dog bites, the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and human death records from 2008 to 2017 were retrieved from Sukraraj Tropical Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. The findings revealed that the number of human rabies occurrences was consistent with minor fluctuations throughout the study period. There were 252,297 dog bite cases in humans recorded between 2008 and 2017. Every month, 2,102 people were bitten by mostly stray dogs. There was a gradual increase in PEP use throughout 10 years. On average, 36,995 PEP dosages were used per year for stray dog bites. The PEP consumption and the number of human deaths were negatively correlated. A total of 482 human rabies deaths were recorded in Nepal during the study period. On average, 49 people died of canine-mediated rabies each year. Although there was an increase in the use of PEP, the number of human deaths and street dog bites recorded were still high. The high mortality due to rabies could then be attributed to the flawed surveillance system and stray dog population management, and not merely the lack of PEP services. Hence, it is recommended that the government agencies and other concerned stakeholders should organize mass vaccination and population management program for stray dogs in order to reduce the country’s rabies burden.