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Yoak AJ, Calinger KM, Hiby E. Assessing multiple free-roaming dog control strategies in a flexible agent-based model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19826. [PMID: 37963941 PMCID: PMC10645819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of free-roaming dog populations is required to mitigate the threat of pathogens like rabies, minimize conflict with people, wildlife, and livestock and improve dog welfare however there are multiple strategies currently employed including sterilization, vaccination, and lethal removal. This work describes an agent-based stochastic model, 'StreetDogSim' that can be used as a planning tool to investigate the predicted impact of different strategies with variable implementation approaches and adjustable parameters to match local conditions. Here, we explore the effects of different management strategies with additional variation in their duration, intensity, and vaccine quality on important population metrics such as overall size, demographics, vaccination coverage, time until effective population suppression, and duration of suppression. Under most model parameterizations, a strategy that targets females for sterilization with vaccination outperforms all other options with respect to population control and demographic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Yoak
- Otterbein University, Westerville, OH, USA.
| | | | - E Hiby
- International Companion Animal Management Coalition, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Corfmat J, Gibson AD, Mellanby RJ, Watson W, Appupillai M, Yale G, Gamble L, Mazeri S. Community attitudes and perceptions towards free-roaming dogs in Goa, India. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:565-581. [PMID: 35037536 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.2014839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs (FRD) represent a large proportion of the canine population in India and are often implicated as a source of conflict with humans. However, objective data on the attitudes and perceptions of local communities toward FRD are lacking. This study collected baseline data from 1141 households in Goa, India, on FRD feeding practices and assessed people's attitudes toward FRD in urban and rural communities. Additionally, respondents identified problems caused by FRD and proposed potential solutions.The study reported that 37% of respondents fed FRD with dog owners and Hindus being the most likely to feed. The majority of respondents agreed FRD were a menace (57%), a nuisance (58%) and scary (60%). Most respondents also agreed FRD were a vulnerable population (59%), that belong in communities (66%) and have a right to live on the streets (53%). Barking was the most commonly reported problem associated with FRD and the preferred solution was to impound FRD in shelters. This study reveals the complex and often misunderstood relationship between local communities and FRD and highlights potential strategies to reduce human-dog conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Corfmat
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Mission Rabies, Goa, Panjim, India
| | - A D Gibson
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Mission Rabies, Cranborne, Dorset, UK
| | - R J Mellanby
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - W Watson
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | - G Yale
- Mission Rabies, Goa, Panjim, India
| | - L Gamble
- Mission Rabies, Cranborne, Dorset, UK
- Worldwide Veterinary Service, Cranborne, Dorset, UK
| | - S Mazeri
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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Yi L, Zhu S, Wu P, Zhang Y, Wang M, Xu P, Zeng J, Wang G, Luo L, Li W. Catalysis-Mediated Male Contraception through Black Phosphorus Nanosheets. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:42284-42292. [PMID: 37646168 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanocontraception has been proposed and received extensive attention in recent years for population control. However, currently developed methods for nanocontraception still face problems in efficacy and safety. Here, we propose catalysis-mediated oxidation as a new strategy for nanocontraception. With the catalytic production of highly oxidative species, male contraception was successfully achieved after the administration of black phosphorus nanosheets into the testes of male mice. Further mechanistic studies revealed that contraception was induced by oxidative stress and apoptosis of spermatogenesis cells. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of germ cells released testis antigen and induced immune cell infiltration, which enhanced reproductive damage. Notably, the introduced black phosphorus nanosheets naturally degraded during the catalytic oxidation process and ultimately converted to harmless phosphates, indicating the safety of the strategy. Furthermore, the catalysis-mediated strategy avoids utilizing additional inducers, such as near-infrared irradiation, magnetic fields, or ultrasound, which may cause severe pain. In summary, the proposed catalysis-mediated contraception can be a self-cleared, convenient, and safe strategy for controlling male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Yi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
| | - Shiyao Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
| | - Mo Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
| | - Pengping Xu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Guishuan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
| | - Laihao Luo
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, P. R. China
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Munir SMI, Mokhtar MI, Arham AF. Public perspectives on strays and companion animal management in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1428. [PMID: 37495958 PMCID: PMC10373340 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Strays and companion animal management is a sensitive issue in Malaysia that incites solid and conflicting views. Through structured questionnaires administered to a random sample of 704 respondents, this study explored public opinion on a) causes of the stray animal population, b) the management of the stray animal population, and c) the national strategy on strays and companion Animal Management. The results show that 70.3% of respondents agreed that a lack of public awareness regarding animal care was the major contributor to the stray animal population. In addition, 58.1% of respondents felt that treating and vaccinating animals exposed to zoonotic diseases is a viable approach that could be instituted as a reasonable measure in stray animal population management. Finally, developing animal protection areas through a multi-stakeholder partnership strategy initiative recorded the highest support (48.4%) for intervention planning for stray animal management at a national level. Notably, a significant percentage of public responses were implicitly influenced by demographic variables. These findings provide valuable insights into public opinion regarding stray and companion animal management in Malaysia. These findings could inform the development of future legislation aimed at reducing the unfavorable effects of stray animal populations on humans and the ecology of MalaysiaPlease check if affiliations [is/are] captured correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syafiq Munir Ismail Munir
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Istajib Mokhtar
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Firdhaus Arham
- Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Vansandt LM, Meinsohn MC, Godin P, Nagykery N, Sicher N, Kano M, Kashiwagi A, Chauvin M, Saatcioglu HD, Barnes JL, Miller AG, Thompson AK, Bateman HL, Donelan EM, González R, Newsom J, Gao G, Donahoe PK, Wang D, Swanson WF, Pépin D. Durable contraception in the female domestic cat using viral-vectored delivery of a feline anti-Müllerian hormone transgene. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3140. [PMID: 37280258 PMCID: PMC10244415 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Eighty percent of the estimated 600 million domestic cats in the world are free-roaming. These cats typically experience suboptimal welfare and inflict high levels of predation on wildlife. Additionally, euthanasia of healthy animals in overpopulated shelters raises ethical considerations. While surgical sterilization is the mainstay of pet population control, there is a need for efficient, safe, and cost-effective permanent contraception alternatives. Herein, we report evidence that a single intramuscular treatment with an adeno-associated viral vector delivering an anti-Müllerian hormone transgene produces long-term contraception in the domestic cat. Treated females are followed for over two years, during which transgene expression, anti-transgene antibodies, and reproductive hormones are monitored. Mating behavior and reproductive success are measured during two mating studies. Here we show that ectopic expression of anti-Müllerian hormone does not impair sex steroids nor estrous cycling, but prevents breeding-induced ovulation, resulting in safe and durable contraception in the female domestic cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Vansandt
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philippe Godin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Nagykery
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie Sicher
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Motohiro Kano
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aki Kashiwagi
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maeva Chauvin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hatice D Saatcioglu
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie L Barnes
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amy G Miller
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amy K Thompson
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Helen L Bateman
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Donelan
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Raquel González
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jackie Newsom
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Patricia K Donahoe
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - William F Swanson
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hiby E, Rungpatana T, Izydorczyk A, Rooney C, Harfoot M, Christley R. Impact Assessment of Free-Roaming Dog Population Management by CNVR in Greater Bangkok. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1726. [PMID: 37889632 PMCID: PMC10252118 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A high-intensity catch, neuter, vaccinate and return (CNVR) intervention was used over 5 years to manage the free-roaming dog population of Greater Bangkok, using nearly 300,000 CNVR operations across six provinces. An evaluation was conducted using multiple methods to assess the impact of this intervention, including clinical data, an observational street survey, an online attitude survey and reported cases of dog rabies confirmed with laboratory testing. The evaluation found evidence of a reduction in free-roaming dog density over time (24.7% reduction over 5 years), a reduction in dog rabies cases (average reduction of 5.7% rabies cases per month) and an improvement in dog-human relationships (a 39% increase per year in free-roaming dogs with visible signs of ownership or care and a perception of less trouble with free-roaming dogs in districts benefiting from CNVR). The CNVR intervention appears to have been effective at reducing the current free-roaming dog population and minimizing one future source of free-roaming dogs by limiting breeding of dogs accessible on the streets. However, there is evidence that other sources of free-roaming dogs exist, presumed to be predominately abandoned or lost owned dogs that were previously inaccessible to the CNVR intervention because they were ordinarily confined or living outside the project area. Hence, fully effective dog population management will require further interventions targeting owned dogs in addition to this CNVR effort.
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Coimbra JLP, Dantas GDPF, de Andrade LM, Brener MRG, Viana PIM, Lopes RA, O G Gontijo D, Ervilha LOG, Assis MQ, Barcelos LS, E Szawka R, Damasceno DC, Machado-Neves M, Mota AP, Costa GMJ. Gold nanoparticle intratesticular injections as a potential animal sterilization tool: Long-term reproductive and toxicological implications. Toxicology 2023; 492:153543. [PMID: 37150288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) animal sterilizing potential after intratesticular injections and long-term adverse reproductive and systemic effects. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) groups. The rats received 200µL of saline or AuNPs solution (16µg/mL) on experimental days 1 and 7 (ED1 and ED7). After 150 days, the testicular blood flow was measured, and the rats were mated with females. After mating, male animals were euthanized for histological, cellular, and molecular evaluations. The female fertility indices and fetal development were also recorded. The results indicated increased blood flow in the testes of treated animals. Testes from treated rats had histological abnormalities, shorter seminiferous epithelia, and oxidative stress. Although the sperm concentration was lower in the AuNP-treated rats, there were no alterations in sperm morphology. Animals exposed to AuNPs had decreased male fertility indices, and their offspring had lighter and less efficient placentas. Additionally, the anogenital distance was longer in female fetuses. There were no changes in the histology of the kidney and liver, the lipid profile, and the serum levels of LH, testosterone, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and creatinine. The primary systemic effect was an increase in MDA levels in the liver and kidney, with only the liver experiencing an increase in CAT activity. In conclusion, AuNPs have a long-term impact on reproduction with very slight alterations in animal health. The development of reproductive biotechnologies that eliminate germ cells or treat local cancers can benefit from using AuNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L P Coimbra
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Graziela de P F Dantas
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lídia M de Andrade
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, ICEX/UFMG, Nanobiomedical Research Group, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos R G Brener
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro I M Viana
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberta A Lopes
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniele O G Gontijo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz O G Ervilha
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Mirian Q Assis
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciola S Barcelos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raphael E Szawka
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora C Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course of Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, Unesp
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana P Mota
- Clinical Hematology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Nasiry Z, Mazlan M, Noordin MM, Mohd Lila MA. Evaluation of Dynamics, Demography and Estimation of Free-Roaming Dog Population in Herat City, Afghanistan. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071126. [PMID: 37048382 PMCID: PMC10093563 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
FRDs pose a serious challenge in countries where dog-bite-related rabies is endemic. Understanding the size and core demographic characteristics of FRD populations is essential for the planning and implementation of effective dog-population and canine-rabies-control programmes. The photographic sight-resight method was used to estimate the FRD population and evaluate its demographic characteristics in Herat city. A total of 928 free-roaming dogs (FRD) were identified through 3172 sightings, and the total free-roaming population was estimated to amount to 1821 (95% CI: 1565-2077), which led to the estimation of 10 dogs/km2 and the human-to-FRD ratio of 315:1. The male-to-female ratio was 2.85:1. The majority of them were healthy, with an ideal body score. Although the FRD density is considered low, it is still a concern and significant, since the majority of the people are unaware of the importance of canine populations in the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, and there were no specific measures for managing and controlling FRD populations. The information gained can be useful in animal health planning to design effective dog-population-control programmes, and for the planning of national rabies-prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zabihullah Nasiry
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Paraclinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Herat University, Herat 3001, Afghanistan
| | - Mazlina Mazlan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mustapha M Noordin
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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de Melo SN, da Silva ES, Ribeiro RAN, Soares PHA, Cunha AKR, de Souza Gonçalves CM, Melo FDS, Horta MAP, Teixeira-Neto RG, Belo VS. The Influence of Community Feeders and Commercial Food Outlets on the Spatial Distribution of Free-Roaming Dogs-A Photographic Capture and Recapture Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050824. [PMID: 36899681 PMCID: PMC10000244 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the distribution of dogs in the environment is relevant for establishing human and animal health actions. In the present study, we analyzed the influence of community feeders and commercial food outlets on the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs in an urban area of a municipality in Southeast Brazil. The dogs were identified via photographic capture and recapture performed over five sampling efforts. The spatial densities of dogs were determined using the Kernel method. Spatial correlations between the distribution of free-roaming dogs and the locations of community feeders and commercial food outlets were analyzed using the K function. During the study, 1207 captures/recaptures were performed encompassing 554 dogs, the majority (62.6%) of which were males. Agglomerations of male and female dogs were observed in the areas where food was present. Positive spatial autocorrelations were detected between the distribution of dogs and food sources. The median distances between dogs and community feeders or commercial food outlets were 1.2 and 1.4 km, respectively, and the difference between these two was statistically significant. The presence of community feeders and food outlets demonstrates the influence of human activity, on the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs. These results will be useful for developing strategies aimed at the improvement of animal welfare and the prevention of zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Nascimento de Melo
- Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Sérgio da Silva
- Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vinícius Silva Belo
- Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Arona E, Schiavini A. Free-roaming dogs in Ushuaia City, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. How many and why. Urban Ecosyst 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Flockhart DTT, Rowan AN, Boone JD. Owned dog population size and ownership patterns in Costa Rica. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:946603. [PMID: 36532345 PMCID: PMC9751483 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.946603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are one of the most common pets around the world but ownership patterns and human-dog interactions have been changing, particularly in developing nations. We conducted household surveys in Costa Rica to characterize dog ownership, the owned dog population, where dogs were confined at night and in the morning, and behaviors regarding selected dog care issues. We also compared these results to similar questionnaires used in Costa Rica over the past 20 years. We found 76% of households in Costa Rica owned at least one dog and on average there were about 1.4 dogs owned per household. These dog ownership rates are higher than previous estimates. The probability of owning a dog was highest on farms and lowest in single family dwellings without a yard, higher among respondents that owned their homes and decreasing with increasing human population density The total number of owned dogs in Costa Rica was estimated to be 2,222,032 (95% confidence intervals: 1,981,497-2,503,751). The sterilization rate for homed dogs in 2020 was approximately 62% (females: 67%, males: 61%) which is higher than the 18% of owned dogs that were sterilized in a 2003 survey. Overall, only 1.2% (95% CI: 0.3-2.5%) of owned dogs slept on the street with a slightly higher proportion on the street at 8 am. The number of owned dogs roaming the streets at night nation-wide was estimated to be 27,208 (95% CI: 7,557-56,619) compared to 43,142 (95% CI: 20,118-73,618) on the street at 8 am. The number of unowned free-roaming dogs in Costa Rica has never been estimated but we can generate some idea of the size of the unowned dog population by determining the proportion of free-roaming dogs on the street wearing collars. There was a negative relationship between human population density and owned dogs being on the street meaning fewer dogs roam the streets in highly populated areas compared to less populated areas. Overall, we identify trends against which future progress can be measured and provide information that are critical in designing effective humane dog management programs in Costa Rica in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew N. Rowan
- Wellbeing International, Potomac, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Andrew N. Rowan
| | - John D. Boone
- Great Basin Bird Observatory, Reno, NV, United States
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Population dynamics of free-roaming dogs in two European regions and implications for population control. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266636. [PMID: 36083890 PMCID: PMC9462782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in free-roaming dog population size are important indicators of the effectiveness of dog population management. Assessing the effectiveness of different management methods also requires estimating the processes that change population size, such as the rates of recruitment into and removal from a population. This is one of the first studies to quantify the size, rates of recruitment and removal, and health and welfare status of free-roaming dog populations in Europe. We determined the size, dynamics, and health status of free-roaming dog populations in Pescara, Italy, and Lviv, Ukraine, over a 15-month study period. Both study populations had ongoing dog population management through catch-neuter-release and sheltering programmes. Average monthly apparent survival probability was 0.93 (95% CI 0.81–1.00) in Pescara and 0.93 (95% CI 0.84–0.99) in Lviv. An average of 7 dogs km-2 were observed in Pescara and 40 dogs km-2 in Lviv. Per capita entry probabilities varied between 0.09 and 0.20 in Pescara, and 0.12 and 0.42 in Lviv. In Lviv, detection probability was lower on weekdays (odds ratio: 0.74, 95% CI 0.53–0.96) and higher on market days (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% CI 1.28–4.14), and apparent survival probability was lower in males (odds ratio: 0.25, 95% CI 0.03–0.59). Few juveniles were observed in the study populations, indicating that recruitment may be occurring by movement between dog subpopulations (e.g. from local owned or neighbouring free-roaming dog populations), with important consequences for population control. This study provides important data for planning effective dog population management and for informing population and infectious disease modelling.
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The association between non-permanence of dogs in households and non-compliance with the principles of responsible animal guardianship: A survey in a medium-sized city in Brazil. Prev Vet Med 2022; 204:105671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Meyer I, Forkman B, Fredholm M, Glanville C, Guldbrandtsen B, Ruiz Izaguirre E, Palmer C, Sandøe P. Pampered pets or poor bastards? The welfare of dogs kept as companion animals. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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15
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Mota-Rojas D, Calderón-Maldonado N, Lezama-García K, Sepiurka L, Maria Garcia RDC. Abandonment of dogs in Latin America: Strategies and ideas. Vet World 2021; 14:2371-2379. [PMID: 34840456 PMCID: PMC8613775 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2371-2379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we gathered information from postgraduate theses and scientific articles published in several databases using inclusion criteria that had been made in Latin America, in countries with similar economic conditions, and also in the USA to present a point of comparison. The objective of this review is to broaden the readers’ understanding of the causes of the increasing numbers of stray dogs and the reasons why people abandon pets in the streets, specifically in Latin America. It also discusses adoption and responsible ownership, identifies what failed in promoting positive human-dog interaction, and suggests strategies to address this problem. It concludes that adoption alone is not an effective solution but that it is necessary to offer education and awareness programs for owners, organize sterilization campaigns, and develop and apply – with the corresponding authorities – measures to ensure animal welfare that will provide benefits for society and improve animal quality of life. The role of veterinarians is fundamental in education and in disseminating the necessary information to orient people before they acquire a pet and prevent animal abandonment to resolve this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, 04960, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, 04960, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Sepiurka
- Specialist in Canine and Feline Clinic of the College of Veterinarians of the Province of Buenos Aires. Small Animal Traumatology Specialist Professional Council CABA, Argentina
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16
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Kalthoum S, Guesmi K, Gharbi R, Baccar MN, Seghaier C, Zrelli M, Bahloul C. Temporal and spatial distributions of animal and human rabies cases during 2012 and 2018, in Tunisia. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:686-696. [PMID: 33570258 PMCID: PMC8136934 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabies is one of the most important zoonosis in Tunisia. In the last 6 years, a dramatic increase in the number of cases in animals had raised concern about the transmission dynamics of rabies and the effectiveness of established control measures. For a better understanding of the epidemiological features of rabies in Tunisia, data on animal and human rabies cases and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol, for the period from 2012 to 2018, were analysed to describe the spatial and the temporal distributions of the disease and to guide targeted rabies control measures. Thus, the analysed data have shown that 2,642 animal and 25 human rabies cases were recorded between 2012 and 2018; only few case numbers were reported in wildlife. Time-related distribution showed that the incidence of dog rabies increases over the period of study, from 24,8/100,000 dog population in 2012 to 35,2/100,000 dog population in 2018. Dog seems to be the main reservoir of rabies as it accounted for more than 59% of the animal confirmed cases and the source for more than 80% of the human confirmed cases. Geographical distribution of animal rabies cases revealed the presence of clusters in the North and the Center of Tunisia; only a little number of animal cases were reported in the South. In contrast, the overall human rabies incidence was 0.03 per 100,000 population, during the period of the study. We have found that the incidence of human rabies increases by 13.6% from 2012 to 2015 and drops steadily by 23.41% over the second period (2015 to 2018). A high number of PEP was recorded during the 7-year period, with an average of 360 PEP per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Spatial analysis revealed the presence of clusters of PEP in the Northern and Central governorates. The present study pointed out the need to review the control strategy of rabies in Tunisia and conduct further studies on dog population to provide the basis for a new and efficacious policy of interventions and control program for rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Kalthoum
- National Center of Zoosanitary VigilanceTunisTunisia
| | | | - Raja Gharbi
- National Center of Zoosanitary VigilanceTunisTunisia
| | | | | | - Malek Zrelli
- National Veterinary Services of TunisiaTunisTunisia
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17
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Belsare A, Vanak AT. Modelling the challenges of managing free-ranging dog populations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18874. [PMID: 33139803 PMCID: PMC7608676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging domestic dogs (FRD) are not only vectors of zoonoses of public health concern, but also pose direct threats to humans, livestock, and endangered wildlife. Many developing countries have struggled to control FRD, despite using both lethal and non-lethal methods. India has amongst the highest FRD populations globally and the highest incidences of dog-mediated human rabies, but only deploys Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) for FRD control as a humane alternative to lethal methods, without evidence of it working successfully. Here, we use an agent-based dog population dynamics model to examine the time, effort, financial resources, and conditions needed to successfully control FRD in a typical urban setting. We simulate several scenarios, from an "ideal world" closed population with easily accessible dogs, to a more realistic open population with heterogeneity in catchability of dogs. In only one "best-case" scenario, CNVR resulted in a significant and lasting reduction in FRD, but with vaccination rates peaking only at 35%, which is half the WHO-recommended coverage. The customisable and portable modelling tool that we have developed allows managers to simulate real world processes and understand the expected effort needed to reduce regional dog populations, and assess methods for achieving effective anti-rabies vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Belsare
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Boone and Crockett Quantitative Wildlife Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- OneHealth Working Group, Center for Modeling Complex Interactions, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Abi Tamim Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, India.
- DBT/ Wellcome Trust, India Alliance Program (Clinical and Public Health Fellowship), Hyderabad, India.
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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18
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Chevallier C, Gauthier G, Lai S, Berteaux D. Pulsed food resources affect reproduction but not adult apparent survival in arctic foxes. Oecologia 2020; 193:557-569. [PMID: 32596799 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04696-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As top or mesopredators, carnivores play a key role in food webs. Their survival and reproduction are usually thought to be influenced by prey availability. However, simultaneous monitoring of prey and predators is difficult, making it challenging to evaluate the impacts of prey on carnivores' demography. Using 13 years of field data on arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus in the Canadian High Arctic and a capture-recapture multi-event statistical approach, we investigated the hypothesis that increases in lemming abundance (a cyclic and unpredictable food source) and goose colony proximity (a stable but spatially and temporally limited food source) would be associated with increased apparent survival and reproduction probabilities of adults. Adult apparent survival varied greatly across years (0.13-1.00) but was neither affected by lemming nor goose variations in abundance. However, reproduction probabilities were strongly influenced by both lemming abundance and access to the goose colony. A fox breeding in the best conditions of food availability (year of high lemming density inside the goose colony) had a reproduction probability four times higher than one experiencing the worst conditions (year of low lemming density outside the goose colony). Breeding status of individuals also played a role, with breeders having a 10-20% higher probability of survival and 30% higher probability of reproduction the following year than non-breeders. As the Arctic ecosystem changes due to increased temperatures and species ranges, this study will allow better predictions of predator responses to management or environmental changes and a better understanding of ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Chevallier
- Canada Research Chair on Northern Biodiversity and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L3A1, Canada
| | - Gilles Gauthier
- Département de biologie and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Vachon, Quebec City, QC, G1V0A6, Canada
| | - Sandra Lai
- Canada Research Chair on Northern Biodiversity and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L3A1, Canada
| | - Dominique Berteaux
- Canada Research Chair on Northern Biodiversity and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L3A1, Canada.
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de Melo SN, da Silva ES, Barbosa DS, Teixeira-Neto RG, Lacorte GA, Horta MAP, Cardoso DT, Werneck GL, Struchiner CJ, Belo VS. Effects of Gender, Sterilization, and Environment on the Spatial Distribution of Free-Roaming Dogs: An Intervention Study in an Urban Setting. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:289. [PMID: 32537462 PMCID: PMC7266977 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Information concerning the factors affecting the circulation and distribution of free-roaming dogs is crucial in developing control actions and limiting the spread of zoonoses. The present study analyzes the influence of gender, sterilization, and environment on the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs in urban settings. Animals were captured/recaptured in seven consecutive morning sampling efforts conducted at 2-monthly intervals in control and intervention areas in a medium-size town in southeastern Brazil. Capture locations were georeferenced and captured animals were microchipped before being released at their original capture sites. Dogs captured in the intervention area were subjected additionally to surgical sterilization prior to release. Home range (HR) areas were calculated by applying the minimum convex polygon method to dogs that had been captured at least three times. Land coverage zones were determined from satellite images and overlaid on maps of the study areas along with the locations of 22 commercial food outlets. HR areas showed a global mean of 448 m2 and a median of 28 m2, values that were smaller than those reported previously for dogs in rural regions. The median HR of females (64.m2) was higher than that of males (15 m2), while median HRs of animals in the control and intervention areas were similar (27 and 28.5 m2, respectively). Variability of HR was high, although animals with small HRs predominated. Free-roaming dogs grouped primarily in urbanized and transitional regions, and their spatial distribution was positively correlated with locations of commercial food outlets. While sterilization did not influence HR size, the search for food was a key factor in determining mobility and spatial aggregation of free-roaming dogs. Our findings are pertinent in understanding the ecology of free-roaming dogs in urban environments and will be applicable to strategies aimed at promoting animal welfare and preventing the dissemination of zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Sergio da Silva
- Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - David Soeiro Barbosa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Augusto Lacorte
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Minas Gerais, Campus Bambuí, Bambuí, Brazil
| | | | - Diogo Tavares Cardoso
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Loureiro Werneck
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto de Medicina Social, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudio José Struchiner
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto de Medicina Social, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Silva Belo
- Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
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López-Pérez AM, Orozco L, Zazueta OE, Fierro M, Gomez P, Foley J. An exploratory analysis of demography and movement patterns of dogs: New insights in the ecology of endemic Rocky Mountain-Spotted Fever in Mexicali, Mexico. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233567. [PMID: 32437470 PMCID: PMC7241830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) has emerged as a major human and animal health concern in Mexicali, Mexico. Due to high rates of brown dog tick infestation, susceptibility, and association with humans, dogs serve as sentinels and have a key role in the ecology of RMSF. A cross-sectional household questionnaire study was conducted in six rural and urban locations to characterize dog ecology and demography in RMSF high-and low-risk areas of Mexicali. In addition, we tracked movement patterns of 16 dogs using a GPS data logger. Of 253 households, 73% owned dogs, and dog ownership tended to be higher in high-risk areas, with a mean dog:human ratio of 0.43, compared with 0.3 in low-risk areas. Dogs in high-risk areas had higher fecundity and roamed more, but the dog density and numbers of free-roaming dogs were comparable. There was a higher proportion of younger dogs and lower proportion of older dogs in high-risk areas. The high proportion of immunologically naïve puppies in high risk areas could result in a lack of herd immunity leading to a more vulnerable dog and human population. The marked increase of space use of free-roaming dogs in high-risk areas suggests that unrestrained dogs could play an important role in spreading ticks and pathogens. As means to limit RMSF risk, practical changes could include increased efforts for spay-neuter and policies encouraging dog restraint to limit canine roaming and spread of ticks across communities; due to dog density is less impactful such policies may be more useful than restrictions on the number of owned dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés M. López-Pérez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Libertad Orozco
- Área de Investigación en Biología de la Conservación, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Lerma de Villada, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Oscar E. Zazueta
- Secretaria de Salud Pública del Estado de Baja California, Mexicali, Mexico
| | - Maria Fierro
- Public Health Department, Imperial County, El Centro, California, United States of America
| | - Paola Gomez
- Secretaria de Salud Pública del Estado de Baja California, Mexicali, Mexico
| | - Janet Foley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
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Warembourg C, Berger-González M, Alvarez D, Maximiano Sousa F, López Hernández A, Roquel P, Eyerman J, Benner M, Dürr S. Estimation of free-roaming domestic dog population size: Investigation of three methods including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based approach. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0225022. [PMID: 32267848 PMCID: PMC7141685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Population size estimation is performed for several reasons including disease surveillance and control, for example to design adequate control strategies such as vaccination programs or to estimate a vaccination campaign coverage. In this study, we aimed at investigating the possibility of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to estimate the size of free-roaming domestic dog (FRDD) populations and compare the results with two regularly used methods for population estimations: foot-patrol transect survey and the human: dog ratio estimation. Three studies sites of one square kilometer were selected in Petén department, Guatemala. A door-to-door survey was conducted in which all available dogs were marked with a collar and owner were interviewed. The day after, UAV flight were performed twice during two consecutive days per study site. The UAV's camera was set to regularly take pictures and cover the entire surface of the selected areas. Simultaneously to the UAV's flight, a foot-patrol transect survey was performed and the number of collared and non-collared dogs were recorded. Data collected during the interviews and the number of dogs counted during the foot-patrol transects informed a capture-recapture (CR) model fit into a Bayesian inferential framework to estimate the dog population size, which was found to be 78, 259, and 413 in the three study sites. The difference of the CR model estimates compared to previously available dog census count (110 and 289) can be explained by the fact that the study population addressed by the different methods differs. The human: dog ratio covered the same study population as the dog census and tended to underestimate the FRDD population size (97 and 161). Under the conditions within this study, the total number of dogs identified on the UAV pictures was 11, 96, and 71 for the three regions (compared to the total number of dogs counted during the foot-patrol transects of 112, 354 and 211). In addition, the quality of the UAV pictures was not sufficient to assess the presence of a mark on the spotted dogs. Therefore, no CR model could be implemented to estimate the size of the FRDD using UAV. We discussed ways for improving the use of UAV for this purpose, such as flying at a lower altitude in study area wisely chosen. We also suggest to investigate the possibility of using infrared camera and automatic detection of the dogs to increase visibility of the dogs in the pictures and limit workload of finding them. Finally, we discuss the need of using models, such as spatial capture-recapture models to obtain reliable estimates of the FRDD population. This publication may provide helpful directions to design dog population size estimation methods using UAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Warembourg
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Monica Berger-González
- Universidad del Valle, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Filipe Maximiano Sousa
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Pablo Roquel
- Universidad del Valle, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Joe Eyerman
- RTI International, Seattle, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Merlin Benner
- Remote Intelligence, LLC, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Movement patterns of free-roaming dogs on heterogeneous urban landscapes: Implications for rabies control. Prev Vet Med 2020; 178:104978. [PMID: 32302776 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In 2015, a case of canine rabies in Arequipa, Peru indicated the re-emergence of rabies virus in the city. Despite mass dog vaccination campaigns across the city and reactive ring vaccination and other control activities around positive cases (e.g. elimination of unowned dogs), the outbreak has spread. Here we explore how the urban landscape of Arequipa affects the movement patterns of free-roaming dogs, the main reservoirs of the rabies virus in the area. We tracked 23 free-roaming dogs using Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. We analyzed the spatio-temporal GPS data using the time- local convex hull method. Dog movement patterns varied across local environments. We found that water channels, an urban feature of Arequipa that are dry most of the year, promote movement. Dogs that used the water channels extensively move on average 7 times further (p = 0.002) and 1.2 times more directionally (p = 0.027) than dogs that do not use the water channels at all. They were also 1.3 times faster on average, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.197). Our findings suggest that water channels can be used by dogs as 'highways' to transverse the city and have the potential to spread disease far beyond the radius of control practices. Control efforts should focus on a robust vaccination campaign attuned to the geography of the city, and not limited to small-scale rings surrounding cases.
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Gibson AD, Wallace RM, Rahman A, Bharti OK, Isloor S, Lohr F, Gamble L, Mellanby RJ, King A, Day MJ. Reviewing Solutions of Scale for Canine Rabies Elimination in India. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E47. [PMID: 32210019 PMCID: PMC7157614 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine rabies elimination can be achieved through mass vaccination of the dog population, as advocated by the WHO, OIE and FAO under the 'United Against Rabies' initiative. Many countries in which canine rabies is endemic are exploring methods to access dogs for vaccination, campaign structures and approaches to resource mobilization. Reviewing aspects that fostered success in rabies elimination campaigns elsewhere, as well as examples of largescale resource mobilization, such as that seen in the global initiative to eliminate poliomyelitis, may help to guide the planning of sustainable, scalable methods for mass dog vaccination. Elimination of rabies from the majority of Latin America took over 30 years, with years of operational trial and error before a particular approach gained the broad support of decision makers, governments and funders to enable widespread implementation. The endeavour to eliminate polio now enters its final stages; however, there are many transferrable lessons to adopt from the past 32 years of global scale-up. Additionally, there is a need to support operational research, which explores the practicalities of mass dog vaccination roll-out and what are likely to be feasible solutions at scale. This article reviews the processes that supported the scale-up of these interventions, discusses pragmatic considerations of campaign duration and work-force size and finally provides an examples hypothetical resource requirements for implementing mass dog vaccination at scale in Indian cities, with a view to supporting the planning of pilot campaigns from which expanded efforts can grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Gibson
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PZ, UK
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Ryan M. Wallace
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Abdul Rahman
- Commonwealth Veterinary Association 123, 7th B Main Road, 4th Block West, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560011, Karnataka, India
| | - Omesh K. Bharti
- State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Parimahal, Kasumpti, Shimla 171009, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shrikrishna Isloor
- Bangalore Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bangalore 560024, Karnataka, India
| | - Frederic Lohr
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PZ, UK
| | - Luke Gamble
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PZ, UK
| | - Richard J. Mellanby
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
| | | | - Michael J. Day
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association and School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia
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Smith LM, Hartmann S, Munteanu AM, Dalla Villa P, Quinnell RJ, Collins LM. The Effectiveness of Dog Population Management: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121020. [PMID: 31766746 PMCID: PMC6940938 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Domestic dogs are abundant worldwide—as owned pets, unowned strays, and feral animals. High numbers of free-roaming dogs can be a concern because of the risks they pose to public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Using a systematic review process, we investigated what the research published to date can tell us about the effectiveness of different dog population management methods. We found that management methods for dog populations have been researched in multiple countries worldwide, using a wide range of indicators to assess method effectiveness. We outline the results and suggest improvements to help guide future dog population management policy. Abstract The worldwide population of domestic dogs is estimated at approximately 700 million, with around 75% classified as “free-roaming”. Where free-roaming dogs exist in high densities, there are significant implications for public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Approaches to manage dog populations include culling, fertility control, and sheltering. Understanding the effectiveness of each of these interventions is important in guiding future dog population management. We present the results of a systematic review of published studies investigating dog population management, to assess: (1) where and when studies were carried out; (2) what population management methods were used; and (3) what was the effect of the method. We evaluated the reporting quality of the published studies for strength of evidence assessment. The systematic review resulted in a corpus of 39 papers from 15 countries, reporting a wide disparity of approaches and measures of effect. We synthesised the management methods and reported effects. Fertility control was most investigated and had the greatest reported effect on dog population size. Reporting quality was low for power calculations (11%), sample size calculations (11%), and the use of control populations (17%). We provide recommendations for future studies to use common metrics and improve reporting quality, study design, and modelling approaches in order to allow better assessment of the true impact of dog population management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Smith
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (L.M.S.); (R.J.Q.)
| | - Sabine Hartmann
- VIER PFOTEN International, 1150 Vienna, Austria; (S.H.); (A.M.M.)
| | | | - Paolo Dalla Villa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Rupert J. Quinnell
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (L.M.S.); (R.J.Q.)
| | - Lisa M. Collins
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (L.M.S.); (R.J.Q.)
- Correspondence:
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Meunier NV, Gibson AD, Corfmat J, Mazeri S, Handel IG, Gamble L, Bronsvoort BMC, Mellanby RJ. A comparison of population estimation techniques for individually unidentifiable free-roaming dogs. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:190. [PMID: 31174545 PMCID: PMC6556045 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Measuring the size of free roaming dog populations quickly and accurately is critical in the implementation of numerous preventive health and population control interventions. However, few studies have investigated the relative performance of population size assessment tools when applied to dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the commonly used mark-resight methodology with distance sampling methods, which are less resource intensive, to estimate free-roaming dog abundance in Goa, India. Twenty-six working zones were surveyed along all roads twice by the same surveyor at the same time of day, following a vaccination campaign which included marking of vaccinated dogs with a coloured paint. The Chapman estimate was then used to evaluate the mark-resight abundance. Additionally, the number of dogs and perpendicular distance from the road for all dogs sighted was recorded. This was used to estimate dog density and abundance using distance sampling methods. The detection function was fitted based on goodness-of-fit and AIC. Results The Chapman abundance estimate for the entire study area was 5202 dogs (95%CI 4733.8–5671.0), and the distance sampling method abundance estimate was 5067 dogs (95%CI 4454.3–5764.2). For individual working zones, after taking other factors into account in a mixed effects model, the average distance sampling estimate was 35% higher (95%CI 20–53%) than the Chapman estimate. There was also evidence of a difference in estimates between surveyors of 21% (95%CI 7–37%) and between days (22% lower on day 2, 95%CI 8–38%) for individual working zones. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the distance sampling estimates were comparable overall to the Chapman method of abundance estimation of free roaming dogs across the entire study region but there was noticeable variation between the two methods when individual zones were compared. Consequently, distance sampling methods may be suitable to enumerate dogs over large areas in a more time efficient manner than the widely used mark-resight approach. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-019-1938-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Meunier
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) and the Roslin Institute, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - A D Gibson
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PZ, UK.,The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - J Corfmat
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PZ, UK
| | - S Mazeri
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PZ, UK.,The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - I G Handel
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) and the Roslin Institute, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - L Gamble
- Mission Rabies, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PZ, UK
| | - B Mde C Bronsvoort
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - R J Mellanby
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) and the Roslin Institute, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland.
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Melo SN, Teixeira-Neto RG, Werneck GL, Struchiner CJ, Ribeiro RAN, Sousa LR, de Melo MOG, Carvalho Júnior CG, Penaforte KM, Manhani MN, Aquino VV, Silva ES, Belo VS. Prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in A population of free-roaming dogs as determined by multiple sampling efforts: A longitudinal study analyzing the effectiveness of euthanasia. Prev Vet Med 2018; 161:19-24. [PMID: 30466654 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs affected by visceral leishmaniasis (VL) contribute to the geographical expansion of the disease and require special attention from health authorities. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalences of VL in a population of free-roaming dogs in an endemic region of Brazil, to establish the spatial distribution of infected dogs, and to examine the effectiveness of euthanasia of infected dogs in controlling the disease in this particular population. Dogs were captured every two months during seven sampling efforts. Capture locations were georeferenced and captured dogs were assessed for the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening test and the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) as the confirmatory procedure. Dogs that were seropositive by both assays were considered infected and were submitted to immediate euthanasia. After the end of the collection period, stored sera were evaluated with the Dual-Path Platform test (DPP). Animals positive by this method and by ELISA were also considered infected as currently recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Spatial analysis was performed using the Kernel technique. A total of 328 dogs were captured at least once during the sampling period, 25 (7.6%) of them were seropositive by ELISA and IFAT and 27 (8.2%) by DPP and ELISA. The prevalence of VL showed an overall decreasing trend. However, even with periodical euthanasia, it was not possible to eliminate the infection and increased prevalences were observed in the fourth and seventh samplings. There was a high overall agreement between the two criteria for defining infection. None of the dogs that tested negative by IFAT at the first capture seroconverted in the subsequent captures but a number of dogs exhibited changes in serological status over time. From the three dogs initially tested negative by ELISA and IFAT, but tested positive by the protocol currently adopted in Brazil, two became negative in subsequent recaptures. Spatial analysis revealed that infected animals concentrated in areas with a high density of free-roaming dogs. The existence of VL among homeless dogs may contribute significantly in the persistence of the disease among the human population, despite the practice of periodical euthanasia. The operational and ethical implications associated with euthanasia of free-roaming dogs, and the failure to control the transmission of VL among this particular population, led us to conclude that interventions promoting responsible ownership of pets may be a more effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo N Melo
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Teixeira-Neto
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme L Werneck
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto de Medicina Social, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudio J Struchiner
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto de Medicina Social, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Praia de Botafogo 190, 22250-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renata A N Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Lorena R Sousa
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcella O G de Melo
- Prefeitura Municipal de Divinópolis, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Rua Minas Gerais 500, 35500-007, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Clóvis G Carvalho Júnior
- Prefeitura Municipal de Divinópolis, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Rua Minas Gerais 500, 35500-007, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Klauber M Penaforte
- Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Campus Divinópolis, Avenida Tedinho Alvim 1000, 5502-634, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Marianna N Manhani
- Centro Universitário Una, BR 262, km 480, 35600-000, Bom Despacho, MG, Brazil
| | - Vanessa V Aquino
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Eduardo S Silva
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Vinícius S Belo
- Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- A. T. Vanak
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation; Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment; Bangalore India
- Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance; Hyderabad India
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban South Africa
| | - C. Home
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation; Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment; Bangalore India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education; Manipal India
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Kisiel LM, Jones-Bitton A, Sargeant JM, Coe JB, Flockhart DTT, Canales Vargas EJ, Greer AL. Modeling the effect of surgical sterilization on owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico, using an individual-based computer simulation model. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198209. [PMID: 29856830 PMCID: PMC5983437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical sterilization programs for dogs have been proposed as interventions to control dog population size. Models can be used to help identify the long-term impact of reproduction control interventions for dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the projected impact of surgical sterilization interventions on the owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico. A stochastic, individual-based simulation model was constructed and parameterized using a combination of empirical data collected on the demographics of owned dogs in Villa de Tezontepec and data available from the peer-reviewed literature. Model outcomes were assessed using a 20-year time horizon. The model was used to examine: the effect of surgical sterilization strategies focused on: 1) dogs of any age and sex, 2) female dogs of any age, 3) young dogs (i.e., not yet reached sexual maturity) of any sex, and 4) young, female dogs. Model outcomes suggested that as surgical capacity increases from 21 to 84 surgeries/month, (8.6% to 34.5% annual sterilization) for dogs of any age, the mean dog population size after 20 years was reduced between 14% and 79% compared to the base case scenario (i.e. in the absence of intervention). Surgical sterilization interventions focused only on young dogs of any sex yielded greater reductions (81% - 90%) in the mean population size, depending on the level of surgical capacity. More focused sterilization targeted at female dogs of any age, resulted in reductions that were similar to focusing on mixed sex sterilization of only young dogs (82% - 92%). The greatest mean reduction in population size (90% - 91%) was associated with sterilization of only young, female dogs. Our model suggests that targeting sterilization to young females could enhance the efficacy of existing surgical dog population control interventions in this location, without investing extra resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Maria Kisiel
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (ALG); (LMK)
| | - Andria Jones-Bitton
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jan M. Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason B. Coe
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Erick J. Canales Vargas
- Rabies and Zoonoses Prevention Program, Servicios de Salud de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Amy L. Greer
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (ALG); (LMK)
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