Free-Roaming Dogs in Nepal: Demographics, Health and Public Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• Free-roaming dogs in Nepal are prevalent, potentially transmitting diseases to humans and animals.
• Limited data exists on their demographics, health status, and owner attitudes toward rabies and disease management.
• These dogs often face malnutrition and inadequate veterinary care, impacting community health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather baseline data on free-roaming owned dog demographics in Chitwan District, Nepal.
• To assess owner knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dogs and rabies.
• To evaluate rabies vaccination coverage, anthelmintic treatment, and overall dog health.

Main Methods:

• Household interviews with owners of 60 free-roaming female dogs.
• Administration of rabies vaccinations and anthelmintics.
• Collection of skin, fecal, and blood samples for parasite and antibody analysis.

Main Results:

• Most owners fed dogs but provided minimal healthcare; 42% did not claim ownership.
• 92% of owners knew rabies transmission routes, but only 35% understood post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• Rabies antibody titres were found in 27% of dogs; 14% received anthelmintics. Post-vaccination, 97% had adequate titres for ≥6 months. Parasites were common (73% endoparasites, 40% ectoparasites).

Conclusions:

• Educational programs should focus on improving rabies vaccination coverage and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) awareness.
• Anthelmintic treatment and enhanced animal welfare practices are crucial for public and animal health.
• Targeted interventions are needed to address parasite loads and improve the health of free-roaming dog populations.