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

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

Prevalence and risk factors for the presence of serum antibodies against canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus in communities in mainland Ecuador.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the apparent prevalence and identify risk factors for antibody levels (AL) against canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine adenovirus (CAV) in three communities in the metropolitan area of Quito, Ecuador that have limited access to regular veterinary care. Whole blood samples were collected from 154 dogs presenting to three veterinary field clinics in mainland Ecuador and tested for AL against CDV, CPV, and CAV by a commercially available point-of-care ELISA. Potential risk factors for the presence of AL were analyzed. A majority of dogs had AL against CDV (66%, 95% CI = 58-73%), CPV (95%, 95% CI = 91-98%) and CAV (60%, 95% CI = 52-67%). Dogs had significantly greater odds of AL against CDV if they were >2 years of age, from an urban community, and had previously received veterinary care. Dogs had significantly greater odds of AL against CAV if they were male, >2 years of age, and had previously received veterinary care. Results provide baseline estimates of AL within each community and allow for the targeting of future veterinary services to communities and dogs most at risk.

Dog overpopulation and burden of exposure to canine distemper virus and other pathogens on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.

Dog overpopulation and diseases are hazards to native island species and humans on the Galapagos. Vaccination and importation of dogs are prohibited on the Galapagos. Risk management of these hazards requires the use of science-based risk assessment and risk communication. The objectives of the study reported here were (i) to estimate the human:dog ratio and (ii) the prevalence of and identify exposure factors associated with positive antibody titers to canine distemper virus (CDV) and other pathogens, as well as infection with intestinal parasites in owned dogs on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos in September 2014. The observed human:dog ratio was 6.148:1 which extrapolates to 2503 dogs (two times more than a recent dog count conducted by Galapagos Biosecurity Agency in March 2014). The proportion of spayed female dogs (50%) was higher, compared to neutered male dogs (30%) (p=0.04). Prevalence of dogs with positive antibody titers to CDV was 36% (95% CI=26, 46%), to canine parvovirus was 89% (95% CI=82, 95%), and to canine adenovirus was 40% (95% CI=30, 51%). The frequency of seropositive dogs to CDV was lower in urban dogs (26%), compared to rural dogs (53%) (p<0.05). A positive interaction effect between rural residence and spay/neuter status on seropositivity to CDV was observed, which we discuss in this report. Because vaccination is prohibited, the dog population on Santa Cruz is susceptible to an outbreak of CDV (particularly among urban dogs) with potential spill over to marine mammals. Dog's age (1-2 or 3-14 years old, compared to younger dogs), and residence (rural, urban) were associated with positive antibody titers to parvovirus, adenovirus, Ehrlichia spp., or Anaplasma spp., as well as infection with Ancylostoma spp., an intestinal parasite in dogs that can be transmitted to humans, particularly children. These results provide the most comprehensive assessment of dog overpopulation and exposure to CDV and other pathogens on the Galapagos to date.