A Novel Sampling Model to Study the Epidemiology of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Urban Environment.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. The domestic dog is the main reservoir of zoonotic VL and a high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is associated with transmission of infection to humans. Here we describe the methodology used to obtain a rapid and representative sample of domestic dogs in the city of Posadas, Misiones, and compare the prevalence of Leishmania infection with a sample of shelter dogs. Methodology: We used the city land registry to make a random selection of homes and systematically recruited 349 domestic dogs from the selected properties. We also included all dogs from the main canine shelter within the city. Dogs were examined by two experienced veterinarians who recorded the presence of clinical signs common in CanL using a standardized protocol. We extracted a blood sample from each dog and performed four different serological tests to reveal the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies. Results: After clinical examination, 145 domestic dogs (41.5%) and 63 (90%) shelter dogs had clinical signs compatible with CanL (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence among domestic dogs was 20.1% (95% CI 16.1-24.6) which was significantly lower than among the abandoned dogs (38.6%, 95% CI 27.7-50.6, p < 0.001). The spatial distribution of infected dogs was fairly homogenous throughout the city. Among domestic dogs, we observed a positive association between where the dog slept and presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (p = 0.034). Of the seropositive domestic dogs 38 (54.4%) were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate how seroprevalence results can be highly influenced by sampling methodology. We demonstrate how the land registry can be used to estimate the prevalence of CanL in representative sample of domestic dogs in an urban setting, allowing decision makers to deepen their understanding the epidemiology of CanL in a timely and efficient manner for the development of plans to address both human and canine disease.

Contribution of Anthropogenic Factors and Climate Variables to Human Cystic Echinococcosis Mortality in Chile (2001-2011).

Here we assess the effect of weather and anthropogenic environmental variables, particularly urbanization, on cystic echinococcosis mortality in Chile from 2001 to 2011 using a nonparametric regression model, multivariate adaptive regression splines, and Poisson nonlinear regression models. This study integrated data from various sources on weather and anthropogenic variables. The canine population had the greatest influence on human cystic echinococcosis mortality during the period analyzed. Urbanization among anthropogenic variables and temperature and precipitation among the weather-related variables were the main factors related to cystic echinococcosis deaths. Deaths decreased with urbanization level. Temperature showed a nonlinear impact on mortality, with an optimum value ∼11°C. Public policies aimed at improving safe management of companion animal populations are crucial in controlling the spread of this disease. Effective animal management strategies would have wide-ranging public health benefits, advance the welfare of companion animals and livestock, and decrease the number of human cystic echinococcosis cases.

Caracterização do gênero, da raça e da idade de uma população de 7. 780 cães da Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul submetidos à necropsia ao longo de cinco décadas (1964-2013) / Characterization of gender, breed and age in a population of 7. 780 dogs submitted for necropsy over five decades (1964-2013) in central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Devido à ausência de um banco de dados demográficos da população canina que habita a Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e à necessidade em se estabelecer uma "população controle" para a melhor interpretação da prevalência das doenças diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV-UFSM) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), este estudo objetivou realizar uma análise das características relacionadas à raça, ao gênero e à idade dos cães necropsiados neste serviço de diagnóstico ao longo de 50 anos (1964-2013). Para isto, os laudos de necropsias de cães, realizadas entre 1964 e 2013, foram revisados, e deles foram retiradas informações referentes ao gênero, à idade e às raças de todos os cães oriundos dos municípios que compõem a Região Central do RS. Ao todo, 7.780 cães foram necropsiados; desses, 469 (6%) na primeira década (1964-1973), 1.133 (14,6%) na segunda década (1974-1983), 1.334 (17,1%) na terceira década (1984-1993), 1.705 (22%) na quarta década (1994-2003) e 3.139 (40,3%) na quinta década (2004-2013). Do total de cães com gênero informado nos laudos, 52,6% eram machos e 47,4% eram fêmeas. A mediana da idade de morte foi de três anos. Dos cães cuja raça foi informada nos laudos, 59,8% eram de raça definida (RD) e 40,2% não tinham raça definida (SRD). As raças de porte grande ou gigante mais frequentes foram: Pastor Alemão (17,2%), Boxer (6,9%), Rottweiler (5,3%), Fila Brasileiro (4,6%), Pointer Inglês (3,9%), Collie Pelo Longo (3,7%) Dobermann (3,7%) e Labrador Retriever (2,1%). As raças de porte pequeno ou médio mais frequentes foram: Poodle (8,9%), Dachshund (6,3%), Pinscher Miniatura (5,6%), Cocker Spaniel Inglês (4,5%), Pequinês (3,4%), Yorkshire Terrier (3,3%) e Terrier Brasileiro (2,8%). Houve um aumento na proporção de fêmeas e um crescimento na mediana referente à idade de morte ao longo das cinco décadas avaliadas. Apesar de não ter havido um aumento relevante na proporção de cães de RD em comparação com os SRD, observaram-se algumas mudanças na ocorrência de diferentes raças ao longo do tempo, incluindo principalmente uma dramática diminuição na percentagem de Pequinês, Terrier Brasileiro, Pointer Inglês e Pastor Alemão, e um aumento marcado na percentagem de Poodle, Dachshund, Rottweiler e Labrador Retriever. Os resultados aqui apresentados servirão como um subsídio comparativo para futuros estudos retrospectivos sobre prevalência de doenças em cães da Região Central do RS, auxiliando para uma mais correta compreensão e interpretação dos resultados encontrados nesses levantamentos de dados.(AU)

Based on the lack of demographic database on the canine population living in the midland region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and on the need for a "control population" in the accomplishment of several prevalence-based studies of different diseases diagnosed at the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), the objective of this study was to describe the breed, gender and age characteristics of the population of dogs necropsied in this diagnostic service over 50 years (1964-2013). The protocols of necropsies performed on dogs and recorded in the LPV-UFSM between 1964 and 2013 were reviewed, and information related to gender, age and breed from dogs from all the districts within the Central Region of RS were separated. A total of 7,780 dogs were necropsied, among which 469 (6%) were registered in the first decade (1964-1973), 1,133 (14.6%) in the second decade (1974-1983), 1,334 (17.1%) in the third decade (1984-1993), 1,705 (22%) in the fourth decade (1994-2003) and 3,139 (40.3%) in the fifth decade (2004-2013). Of dogs whose gender was reported in the protocols, 52.6% were males and 47.4% were females. The median age of death was 3 years. Of dogs whose breed was reported in the protocols, 59.8% were purebred and 40.2% were mixed breed. The most common large and giant breed dogs were German Shepherd Dog (17.2%), Boxer (6.9%), Rottweiler (5.3%), Fila Brasileiro (4.6%), English Pointer (3.9%), Collie Rough (3.7%), Dobermann (3.7%), and Labrador Retriever (2.1%). The most common small and medium breed dogs were Poodle (8.9%), Dachshund (6.3%), Miniature Pinscher (5.6%), English Cocker Spaniel (4.5%), Pekingese (3.4%), Yorkshire Terrier (3.3%), and Brazilian Terrier (2.8%). The percentage of females and the median age of death showed an increase during the five decades of this study. Although there has been a significant increase in the proportion of pure breed dogs compared to mongrels, we observed some changes in the occurrence of different breeds over time, including a significant decrease in the frequency of the Pekingese, Brazilian Terrier, English Pointer, and German Shepherd Dog, and significant increase in the frequency of the Poodle, Dachshund, and Labrador Retriever. The results presented here will serve as an allowance for future comparative studies of disease prevalence in dogs of Central Region of RS, helping to a more correct understanding and interpretation of results from these data surveys.(AU)

Características de la población canina de Asunción / Features od the canine population of Asuncion

Introducción: la alta incidencia de mordeduras caninas en la población humana (14.903 en el2.002), hizo pensar a las autoridades municipales sobre la necesidad de poner en vigencia el registro canino, necesidad sentida desde 1868 en Asunción, en que se genera la primera Ordenanza Municipal relacionada con este aspecto y crear un sistema de control de perros callejeros y de punición a dueños irresponsables. Objetivo: Estimar la población canina existente, su distribución por sexo y edad, el porcentaje de casas-habitación que poseen estos animales en Asunción y la probabilidad de un libre acceso de los perros a la calle. Material Métodos: Se siguió la guía de caracterización de población animal del Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa, tomando como marco de referencia la población humana, realizándose un muestreo estratificado proporcional con selección sistemática en dos etapas; por conglomerados (manzanas) seleccionadas como unidades primarias y en segunda etapa, las casas-habitación como unidades secundarias. Se estimó una muestra de n = 2.600casas. Se estableció la proporción de casas con perro para cada estrato. Resultados y Conclusiones: La población canina encontrada en Asunción posee características de una población rural: alto índice de tenencia y distribución etaria con alto porcentaje de perros mayores de 4 años. El sacrificio delas hembras al nacer no es tan frecuente como en otras ciudades de América Latina. Existe un alto porcentaje de población canina con libre acceso a la calle, que explica la incidencia de mordeduras ella ciudad. Existe un afecto y un cuidado por los canes muy arraigado en la comunidad, lo que se evidencia en el alto índice de la relación hombre/perro y el alto índice de perros adultos en la población.

Introduction: the high incidence of dog bites inthe human population (14,903 in 2002), suggestedto the municipal authorities on the need toenforce the canine registry, felt need since 1868in Asuncion, in which the first ordinance on thissubject of the city council was generated, and tocreate a system for the control of stray dogs andpunishment to irresponsible owners. Objective:To estimate the dog population distribution by sexand age, the percentage of houses that have theseanimals room in Asuncion and the likelihood offree access to the street. Material and Methods:Following the Guide for the characterization ofanimal population of the Pan American Foot andMouth Disease, taking as a reference the humanpopulation, a proportional stratified sampling withsystematic selection was followed in two stages;Cluster (blocks) selected as primary units androom houses as secondary units, a sample of n =2,600 households were study. The proportion ofhouses with dogs for each stratum was established.Results and Conclusions: The canine populationfound in Asuncion has characteristics of a rural population: high rate of tenure and age distributionwith a high percentage of dogs older than 4 years.The sacrifice of females at birth is not as prevalentas in other cities in Latin America. There is a highpercentage of canine population with free access tothe street, which explains the incidence of bites inthe city. There is a deeply rooted affection and carefor dogs in the community, which is evidenced bythe high rate of human / dog relationship and thehigh rate of adult dogs in the population.

Control de la población canina en Bogotá mediante la estrategia de esterilización gratuita (2006-2009) / Dog population control in Bogota through sterilization-stray

Introducción: Actualmente la población canina en el Distrito Capital alcanza los setecientos mil animales, entre callejeros y con dueño. La Secretaría Distrital de Salud, mediante la línea de enfermedades compartidas y para el manejo de esta población y evitar el riesgo generado por la convivencia con las mascotas, controla la población canina de Bogotá, por medio de la esterilización gratuita de hembras caninas, por ser esta especie la mantenedora del virus de la rabia en el ámbito urbano. Métodos: Se revisa la ejecución y el impacto de esta actividad entre el 2006 y el 2009 en la ciudad de Bogotá. Para ello se utilizaron las bases de datos mensuales generadas por los informes realizados por todas las empresas sociales del Estado del Distrito Capital que desarrollan esta clase de actividades en todas las localidades. Resultados: Mediante la esterilización gratuita se han logrado operar más de setenta mil hembras en su mayoría caninas y mantener la proporción un canino por doce personas, a pesar del aumento paulatino de la población humana. Conclusión: El programa ha tenido un impacto positivo en el control de la población, pues de no haberse implementado, la ciudad tendría actualmente más de un millón de caninos; sin embargo, es preciso revisar la continuidad local, el número de procedimientos realizados y la parte educativa hacia la comunidad, incluida la información de los puntos para esterilizar, así como los beneficios generados tanto a los animales como a la población en general.

Introduction: Presently, the Capital District’s dog population, including both street and domestic dogs, is approximately 700,000. The District Health Secretariat, in order to control this population and avoid the risk generated by their co-existence with human-owned pets, uses the program for the free-of-charge sterilization of female dogs. As it known that rabies is carried by female dogs in the urban canine population. Methods: This article examines the implementation and impact of this program from 2006 to 2009 in the city of Bogotá. This study used monthly-fed data bases generated by reports done by all State Social Enterprises in the District Capital which carry out this type of projects all over the city. Results: More than 70,000 female animals, mainly dogs, have been managed to undergo surgery, which has allowed to keep a dog to human ratio one dog to twelve people, despite the gradual increase in the human population. Conclusion: The program has had a positive impact on the control of the dog population, because if it had not been implemented, the city would have more than one million dogs. However, it is necessary to monitor the local follow-through, the number of procedures completed, and the educational component of the community, including information points about sterilization that illustrate its benefits, both for animals and for the population in general.

Geotecnologias na análise da população canina para o controle da raiva,Considerando fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos. Município de Lauro de Freitas (BA) 1999 -2004 / Geospatial analysis of canine population in relation to socioeconomic And demographic factors in Lauro de Freitas (BA), during 1999 -2004

A análise da população canina de um município representa um instrumento indispensável para o controle da raiva e outras zoonoses, que tenham o cão como reservatório.Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a população canina do município de Lauro de Freitas (BA), no período de 1999 a 2004, levando em conta os dados socioeconômicos e demográficos de cada distrito sanitário do município. Foi utilizado o histórico vacinal de Lauro de Freitas (BA) entre 1999 e 2004, e os dados do último Censo Demográfico no ano 2000. O estudo possibilitou o dimensionamento, localização e caracterização adequada da população canina. Foi constatado que a população canina estimada no período, conforme orientação do Ministério da Saúde estava subestimada em 25,7%, representando 15,7% da população humana. Verificou-se também grande variação da população canina entre os Distritos Sanitários, com maior concentração em Areia Branca (39,2%), área rural do município, onde as condições socioeconômicas eram inferiores e a menor no distrito de Ipitanga (2,7%), local com características de veraneio. Concluiu-se que a alta proporção de cães no município pode estar relacionada com o tipo de moradia, principalmente horizontal, com predominância de domicílio tipo casa.

The analysis of a municipality canine population is an indispensable for the control of rabies and other zoonosis, which have the dog as a reservoir. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were considered because the relation of those with the health condition of population has been widely mentioned in several studies. Geotechnology applications to public health matters allow better characterization and quantification of exposure to diseases and their possible risk factors. This study was based on the vaccination history in Lauro de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil (1999 to 2004) and on the last 2000 Population Census data. It noted that the canine population during that period was underestimated by 25,7% in relation to official estimate, representing 15,7% of human population, variation between the districts, with a greater concentration in the municipality s rural area of Areia Branca (39,2%), where the socioeconomic conditions were lower. The district of Ipitanga had the lowest percentage (2,7%). The high proportion of dogs in the place could be linked to the housing type, which is predominantly horizontal in structure.

Reposição de cães em área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral / Dog replacement in an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis

Esse trabalho objetivou estimar a reposição de cães em área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral, onde a eutanásia de animais soropositivos é indicada como medida de controle, e avaliar os motivos que levaram a aquisição ou não de novos animais. Houve a reposição em 44,5 por cento dos casos, principalmente devido à necessidade de companhia ou guarda. O principal motivo para a não-reposição foi o temor da leishmaniose visceral.

This study aimed to estimate the dog replacement rate in an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, in which slaughter of seropositive animals was indicated as a control measure, and to evaluate the reasons why new animals were or were not acquired. The animals were replaced in 44.5 percent of the cases, and this was done mainly because of the need for a companion or guard dog. The main reason for not replacing the dog was fear of visceral leishmaniasis.