Domestic dog population dynamics in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico:towards improved canine population and rabies control.

Developing countries are faced with finding novel and humane ways to permanently reduce and control their dog populations. This is especially important for the sustainability of canine disease control and public health programs. Understanding the demography of domestic dog populations is central to the design of effective dog population management and zoonotic disease control interventions, particularly for canine-mediated rabies. This research project will determine the size, density and structure of the owned and unowned dog populations in the city of Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo. Furthermore, this research project will aggregate 5 years of data regarding the prevalence of canine rabies, existing canine control and vaccination programs, and their associated costs. Together, these data will be used as a Mexican case
study for the development of a mathematical model that will help to inform evidence-based decision-making for dog population control and the prevention of canine rabies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Amy Greer

Student:

Luz Maria Kisiel

Partner:

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Globalink