Search Results (132)

This study explored possible associations between adoption discounts, length-of-stay (LOS), and adoption rates for dogs at a municipal (council) shelter in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, over a one-year period (4 April 2023–3 April 2024). Data from 479 rehomed dogs and eight temporary promotional campaigns were analysed, considering the following factors: discount levels applied, breed group, body size, age group, coat colour, intake method (stray, privately surrendered, or seized), and return-to-shelter history after adoption. Dogs with ≥75% discount and 0–50% discount had a longer LOS compared to those without a discount (p < 0.001), likely because many discounted dogs already had a prolonged LOS prior to the campaign’s commencement. Other important LOS predictors included breed group (p < 0.001), body size (p < 0.001), age group (p = 0.004), and intake method (p < 0.001). Gundogs/hounds/terriers (purebred), and toy/non-sporting groups (both purebred and crossbred), small-sized dogs, seniors, puppies, and privately surrendered dogs had significantly lower LOS compared to their counterparts. However, when daily adoption rates were examined, temporary price-discounting campaigns resulted in substantially increased rehoming rates. In particular, Flash Sales (≤48 h) increased daily adoptions by 204% compared to non-campaign periods. One Flash Sale event resulted in higher daily adoption rates, but also significantly higher return rates compared to other temporary campaigns, highlighting a possible risk of impulse adoptions and necessitating future work with adopters to identify potentially problematic decision-making. Shelters should be aware that, on an individual level, factors other than price can be more important for potential adopters. On a broader level, temporary campaigns involving a reduced adoption price can increase overall adoption rates and therefore should be considered as part of any marketing exposure strategy for animal shelters. Full article

Spirometra mansoni is a zoonotic parasite that inhabits the intestines of dogs and cats. The plerocercoids (spargana) parasitize several vertebrates, including humans, resulting in a food-borne zoonosis known as sparganosis. In this study, it has been established that a LAMP assay can detect S. mansoni eggs in dog feces. A total of 97 fecal samples were collected from Changsha City, Hunan Province. The fecal DNA was extracted before designing primers for LAMP based on the S. mansoni cox1 gene. The specificity of this method was verified by PCR using LAMP outer primers or inner primers and nested PCR with S. mansoni-specific cox1 primers. DNA samples from five control dog worms were analyzed using the LAMP assay to evaluate the specificity. The detection rate of LAMP for S. mansoni eggs was 70.21% in stray dogs. PCR and nested PCR produced specific bands on agarose gel electrophoresis consistent with the expected length. When the LAMP assay was conducted using S. mansoni-infected samples, negative samples, and genomic DNA from control worms, only the S. mansoni-infected samples showed a typical ladder pattern. The samples were stained with SYBR Green I, and only the S. mansoni-infected samples had a fluorescent signal. In addition, compared with PCR and microscope, LAMP method can detect eggs in the shortest infection days, and its detection rate was higher than that of PCR. These results suggest that the established LAMP method have many advantages in detecting Spirometra mansoni. Full article

Urban stray cats are often associated with ectoparasites and zoonotic pathogens due to their unsanitary living conditions and lack of veterinary care. Fleas, especially Ctenocephalides spp., are competent vectors of Bartonella spp., a genus of emerging bacterial pathogens with both public health and veterinary relevance. This study investigated the presence of Bartonella DNA in ectoparasitic fleas infesting stray cats in various urban habitats within the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 204 fleas were collected from 89 stray cats. Fleas were identified morphologically using established taxonomic keys under a light microscope and further validated through PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. Detection of Bartonella spp. was conducted by targeting the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. All fleas were confirmed as Ctenocephalides felis, with an infestation prevalence of 39.33% among the cats sampled. Of 118 C. felis specimens tested, 86.44% were positive for Bartonella DNA, one of the highest worldwide and significantly surpassing previous Malaysian reports. Sequencing of 12 positive samples showed identities with B. claridgeiae (58.3%), B. henselae (25.0%), an uncultured Bartonella species (8.3%) and a Bartonella isolate from a dog in Chile (8.3%). These results highlight the significant presence of Bartonella, causative agent of cat-scratch disease in stray cats, emphasizing their potential role as urban reservoirs and vectors. The findings underscore the need for ectoparasite surveillance and zoonotic pathogen control as integral components of stray animal management in Malaysia’s urban settings. Full article

Background: Rabies is a fatal yet preventable zoonosis. In Saudi Arabia, uneven surveillance and limited public awareness may delay post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). In Makkah, where residents regularly encounter free-roaming dogs, knowledge gaps could elevate exposure risks. Objectives: This study aims to assess public knowledge, attitudes, and post-bite practices regarding rabies, including wound washing and access to PEP among adult residents of the Makkah Region, and to examine associations with pet dog ownership. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Makkah Region (March–June 2025). An online validated bilingual questionnaire targeted residents ≥ 18 years via social media. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, 95% confidence intervals, and binomial logistic regression were applied in IBM SPSS v26; p < 0.05 was significant. Results: Of 523 respondents, 91.8% lived in Makkah city, 52.8% were female, and the age distribution was 18–24 years (44.2%), 25–34 years (35.6%), 35–44 years (12.0%), and ≥45 years (8.2%). Pet dog ownership was rare (1.9%), yet 39.4% reported stray dogs in their communities. Overall, 60.6% knew what rabies is and 63.7% knew it is vaccine-preventable, but 52.2% wrongly believed that transmission occurs only via dog bites. Hospitals (79.7%) and health centers (79.2%) were the most cited vaccination sites; social media was the dominant information source (74.6%). No significant association was found between pet ownership and rabies awareness (all p > 0.05). In multivariable regression (n = 509), adequate rabies knowledge increased the odds of an appropriate intended response (AOR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.27–2.68). Participants aged 30–40 years and those >50 years had significantly lower odds (AOR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.85 and AOR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09–0.56, respectively). Conclusions: Despite moderate awareness, critical misconceptions and inconsistent first aid intentions persist. Priority actions include clear, locally adapted education on immediate wound washing and prompt PEP, standardized bite management pathways across facilities, reliable access to vaccines and immunoglobulin, and targeted social media micro-campaigns. By identifying public misconceptions, knowledge gaps, and preferred communication channels, this study provides baseline evidence to guide community awareness programs, intersectoral collaboration, and One Health-based surveillance essential for Saudi Arabia’s progress toward the global “Zero rabies by 2030” goal. Full article

We investigated tick infestations in stray dogs from Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, focusing on tick species distribution, and pathogen infection rates. Ticks were collected from 232 stray dogs across six major urban parks in 2021–2022. A total of 443 ticks were collected, belonging to five species: Ixodes ricinus (43.8%), Dermacentor reticulatus (35.2%), Dermacentor marginatus (20.5%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Haemaphysalis punctata with only 1 specimen. Notably, 92.5% of ticks were adults, while only 7% were nymphs and <1% were larvae. On average, 44.4% of stray dogs were infested with ticks, with an overall mean intensity of ~4.3 ticks per infested dog. Tick burden varied by location: dogs in large, less-maintained parks carried the most ticks. Tick pathogen screening revealed 24.4% of ticks (108/443) carried at least one pathogen. The most frequently detected were Babesia spp. in 12.2% of ticks, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in 7.4%, Rickettsia spp. in 3.4%, Anaplasma spp. in 2.5%, and Ehrlichia spp. in 0.5%; 4 ticks harbored co-infections. We discuss implications for public health and animal welfare and recommend control measures such as integrated stray-dog management and vegetation maintenance in urban parks. Full article

Background: Brucella canis is a zoonotic pathogen associated with reproductive disorders in dogs and represents an emerging public health concern. Dogs are the only known source of infection for humans, and transmission is often associated with close contact, particularly in occupational settings. Reports of canine and human infections in Europe are increasing, underscoring the need for integrated surveillance to assess the risk of introduction and spread. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible circulation of B. canis in different subgroups of dogs from Central Italy, representing diverse risk contexts (stray, breeding, blood donor, refugee-associated, and previously outbreak-linked dogs), and to generate sentinel data to inform further risk-based surveillance and zoonotic risk assessment. Methods: A comprehensive serological, molecular, and bacteriological survey was conducted on 128 dogs sampled in the Umbria region, covering animals from different backgrounds and risk contexts. Blood samples were tested using bacterial culture, real-time PCR, serum agglutination test, complement fixation test, and/or indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Results: All tested dogs were negative for B. canis. The upper 95% confidence limit for prevalence was 3.5%, suggesting that widespread circulation is unlikely, although a low/moderate prevalence in specific groups cannot be excluded. Conclusions: Although no cases of B. canis were detected, the results provide sentinel information and highlight the need for continued risk-based surveillance, particularly in low-prevalence areas to prevent introduction of the infection and to enable early detection in case of occurrence. As dogs are the only known source of human infection, veterinary monitoring plays a pivotal role in mitigating zoonotic risks and supporting One Health strategies for evidence-based control. Full article

Mongolia’s rapidly expanding capital is encroaching on Bogd Khan Mountain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the oldest protected area in Eurasia. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) in this wildland–urban interface are locally near-threatened due to hunting, local beliefs, and human–wildlife conflict. In 2022 and 2023, we deployed 72 camera traps (11,539 trap nights) to investigate how wolves respond to overlapping pressures from free-ranging dogs, livestock, and human activity. Using a random habitat-stratified camera design and abundance modeling, we assessed diel activity and spatial co-occurrence. Wolves exhibited nocturnal and crepuscular activity, with the greatest temporal overlap with wild prey (wapiti: ∆⁴ = 0.73; Siberian roe deer: ∆⁴ = 0.79), moderate overlap with dogs (∆⁴ = 0.60) and horses (∆⁴ = 0.68), and minimal overlap with cattle (∆⁴ = 0.40) and people (∆⁴ = 0.43). Mean wolf abundance estimates ranged from λ = 0.91 (CI 95%, 0.05–1.77) in 2022 to λ = 1.52 (CI 95%, 0.44–3.53) in 2023. Wolves were more abundant at higher relative abundance of wild ungulates and in areas with more people. Wolves co-occurred with dogs at 11 sites and were more abundant in areas with a higher number of dogs. Our findings highlight the complex dynamics between wildlife, livestock, and human-associated disturbances at the wildland–urban interface, underscoring the need for integrated management strategies that address both ecological and human dimensions of conservation. Full article

Objective: To investigate public attitudes in New Zealand towards the euthanasia of dogs and cats and to explore the factors that influence these views. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019 as part of the Furry Whānau Wellbeing research project. The survey included questions about pet euthanasia, and respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements. Results: Of 2293 respondents to the 2019 New Zealand Pet Survey, the majority (n = 1756) opposed euthanasia for stray, unwanted, or financially burdensome pets (76.7%; 90.2% and 66.3% of these disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively). In contrast, a slim majority (n = 1162) supported it for sick animals. Females were less likely to agree with euthanasia in most scenarios compared to males. Māori and New Zealand European respondents (n = 1790) showed higher levels of neutrality than other ethnicities regarding stray animals and lower levels of disagreement regarding financially constrained situations. Older respondents (65+) were more likely to support euthanasia for sick animals, while younger respondents (18–24) were less inclined. Higher education levels are correlated with increased neutrality towards euthanising stray animals and increased support for euthanising feral animals. Respondents with children were more likely to be neutral or to disagree with euthanasia in most scenarios. Those with rural upbringings were more accepting of euthanasia for stray and feral animals. A thematic analysis of 653 respondent comments revealed key themes: euthanasia was seen as complex and context-dependent, a humane last resort for suffering animals, but not for convenience. Respondents emphasised responsible pet ownership and a right to life, even for feral animals, advocating for alternatives such as trap–neuter–release. Conclusion: New Zealanders largely view euthanasia as an ethically acceptable option for terminally ill or suffering animals but reject it when driven by convenience or financial hardship. Attitudes vary across demographic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive education and policy. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and support broader discussions on responsible pet ownership, ethical decision making, and animal welfare legislation. Full article

Most research on domestic dog (Canis familiaris) behavior has focused on pets with restricted movement. However, free-ranging dogs exist in diverse cultural contexts globally, and their interactions with humans are less understood. Tourists can facilitate unrestricted dog movement into wilderness areas, where they may negatively impact wildlife. This study investigated which stimuli—namely, voice, touch, or food—along with inherent factors (age, sex, sociability) motivate free-ranging dogs to follow a human stranger. We measured the distance (up to 600 m) of 129 free-ranging owned and stray dogs from three villages in southern Chile as they followed an experimenter who presented them one of the above stimuli or none (control). To evaluate the effect of dog sociability (i.e., positive versus stress-related or passive behaviors), we performed a 30 s socialization test (standing near the dog without interacting) before presenting a 10 s stimulus twice. We also tracked whether the dog was in the company of other dogs. Each focus dog was video-recorded and tested up to three times over five days. Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed that the food stimulus significantly influenced dogs’ motivation to follow a stranger, as well as a high proportion of sociable behaviors directed towards humans and the company of other dogs present during the experiment. Juveniles tended to follow a stranger more than adults or seniors, but no effects were found for the dog’s sex, whether an owner was present, the repetition of trials, the location where the study was performed, or for individuals as a random variable. This research highlights that sociability as an inherent factor shapes dog–stranger interactions in free-ranging dogs when food is given. In the context of wildlife conservation, we recommend that managers promote awareness among local communities and tourists to avoid feeding dogs, especially in the context of outdoor activities close to wilderness. Full article

Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal industry in Pakistan. Livestock, poultry, and fisheries provide an economically beneficial source of milk, meat, and eggs; however, they face challenges such as disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, natural disasters, and a lack of proper policies. Likewise, humans benefit from companion animals that provide emotional attachment. Moreover, the pet food market has also shown potential growth, contributing to the country’s economy. Due to the close association between animals and humans, both are at risk for infectious disease transmission. Challenges such as the lack of strong animal welfare laws and the increasing number of stray dogs and cats threaten human safety and that of other animals. We highlight current problems and additional approaches to the management of livestock, poultry, fisheries, and pets, which need to be addressed to further advance the animal industry in Pakistan. Full article

Free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) pose a significant but often overlooked threat to wildlife populations and global conservation efforts while also having the potential to contribute positively to conservation initiatives. As generalist predators and scavengers, these adaptable animals can lead to biodiversity loss through predation, disease transmission, competition, and behavioral disruption of native species. This review synthesizes global studies on their ecological impact, highlighting notable cases of predation on endangered species, such as the markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) in Pakistan and elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) in Mexico, as well as the spread of zoonotic diseases like Echinococcus spp. and canine distemper. A growing concern is hybridization between free-ranging dogs and wild canids. Such genetic mixing can erode local adaptations, reduce genetic purity, and undermine conservation efforts for wild canid populations. Current management strategies—including lethal control, trap–neuter–release, and vaccination—have produced mixed results and face challenges related to data limitations, regional variability, and cultural barriers. This review advocates for integrated, context-specific management approaches that consider ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Future research should prioritize standardized definitions and data collection, long-term evaluation of intervention effectiveness, and the socio-economic drivers of dog–wildlife interactions to develop sustainable solutions for mitigating the multifaceted threats imposed by free-ranging dogs to global diversity. Full article

The increasing number of owned and stray dogs in large cities is becoming a pressing issue due to rising population densities, urban conditions, and poor control over animal reproduction. This situation poses serious epidemiological risks, as dogs can act as reservoirs and transmitters of infectious and parasitic diseases dangerous to humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and carriage of infectious and parasitic diseases in stray dogs in the city of Uralsk as a factor of epidemiological risk. In 2024, 1213 stray dogs were captured from different city districts and examined at the veterinary clinic and laboratory of Zhangir Khan University. Biological samples (blood, urine, feces) from 10% of the animals were analyzed using molecular (PCR), serological (ELISA), and helminthological methods. Serological and molecular analyses revealed the widespread circulation of bacterial pathogens. Antibodies to additional bacterial agents, including Pasteurella multocida, Mycobacterium spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Leptospira spp., were detected in the samples, indicating an unfavorable sanitary and epidemiological situation in the urban environment. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) identified antibodies against Toxocara canis in 50.9% of the dogs and against Echinococcus granulosus in 76.4%, reflecting both active and past infections. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed the presence of Brucella canis DNA in blood and urine samples, while antibodies to Brucella spp. were detected in 57.8% of the examined dogs, underscoring the significant zooanthroponotic importance of this pathogen and its potential threat to human health. Additionally, T. canis DNA was found in 39.2% of the samples and E. granulosus DNA in 16.6%. A helminthological examination using the Fülleborn method revealed a high rate of helminth infection: Ancylostoma caninum—35.3%, T. canis—32.3%, and Toxascaris leonina—29.4%. The obtained results highlight the significant role of stray dogs as epizootiological and epidemiological reservoirs of zooanthroponotic infections. This poses a serious threat to public health and necessitates the implementation of effective control and prevention measures for infectious and parasitic diseases within urban fauna. Full article

Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a contagious neoplasm with low metastatic potential, primarily affecting free-roaming and stray dogs. Despite its global presence, epidemiological data from some regions remain limited. This study employed a retrospective observational design and analyzed 131 CTVT cases diagnosed via cytology or histopathology at a veterinary teaching hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, aiming to describe the anatomical distribution, treatment outcomes, and epidemiological patterns. Most affected dogs were mixed-breed (70.2%) and female (61.1%), with a median age of 4.5 years. Genital involvement was most common (87.0%), followed by cutaneous (10.7%), nasal (6.1%), and oral (4.6%) tumors. Concurrent tumor locations included genital-cutaneous (5.3%) and oronasal (3.1%). Females had more genital cases, while males were more likely to present cutaneous and nasal CTVT, with 5.2 times greater odds for nasal tumors (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.2–25.9). Purebred dogs also had increased odds of nasal involvement (OR = 8.2; 95% CI = 1.9–40.7). Vincristine chemotherapy was effective, and the number of sessions required for a complete response was not associated with clinical presentation, breed or size. These findings highlight the varied presentations of CTVT and reinforce the need for clinical awareness of non-genital forms. Full article

Canine distemper is caused by a morbillivirus similar to others that affect livestock and humans. The increase in host range and its persistence in wildlife reservoirs complicate eradication considerably. Canine distemper virus has been reported in wildlife in Mexico since 2007. Dogs were previously considered the main reservoirs, but high vaccination coverage in the USA has helped control the disease, and racoons (Procyon lotor) are now recognized as the main reservoirs of the agent in the USA, since they live in high densities in urban environments (peridomestic), where contact with domestic and wildlife species is common. Racoons are now considered to spread CDV in wildlife species and zoo animals. Mexico is home to at least two wildlife species that have been reported as carriers of the CDV infection in studies in the USA. Raccoons and Coyotes are distributed in several Mexican states and could play the same reservoir role as for the US. In addition, the increase in non-traditional pets expands the availability of susceptible individuals to preserve CDV in domiciliary and peri-domiciliary environments, contributing to the spread of the disease. Combined with incomplete vaccination coverage in domestic canids, this could contribute to maintaining subclinical infections. Infected pets with incomplete vaccination schedules could also spread CDV to other canines or wildlife coexisting species. In controlled habitats, such as flora and fauna sanctuaries, protected habitats, zoo collections, etc., populations of wildlife species and stray dogs facilitate the spread of CDV infection, causing the spilling over of this infectious agent. Restricting domestic pets from wildlife habitats reduces the chance of spreading the infection. Regular epidemiological surveillance and specific wildlife conservation practices can contribute to managing threatened species susceptible to diseases like CDV. This may also facilitate timely interventions in companion animals which eventually minimize the impact of this disease in both scenarios. Aim: The review discusses the circulation of CDV in wildlife populations, and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance in wildlife, particularly in endangered wildlife species from Mexico. Through an extensive review of recent scientific literature about CDV disease in wildlife that has been published in local and international databases, the findings were connected with the current needs of information from a local to global perspective, and conclusions were made to broaden the context of Mexican epidemiological scenarios as closely related to the neighboring regions. Full article

The issue of stray cats and dogs is a global concern with considerable implications for animal welfare and public health. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive analysis of non-surgical contraceptive methods tested in studies controlled in vivo in feline and canine females. Immunocontraception via vaccination against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the luteinizing hormone receptor, zona pellucida proteins, and sperm, or use of viral-vectored delivery, is yet developing. Hormonal treatment (progestins, androgens, or GnRH) analogs act directly to block the reproductive axis. However, it produced essential side effects. Analogs of kisspeptin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as firocoxib, and delivery of cytotoxins to the pituitary have shown non-conclusive results. Additional methods have also been tested, such as intraovarian injection of necrosing compounds or intravaginal and intrauterine devices. At present, neither of these methods offers permanent sterility that can replace surgical sterilization techniques. To our knowledge, none are currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for contraceptive methods or sterilization of cats or dogs. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the development of a compound that warrants the sterility of cats and dogs. Full article