Dog ecology and dog rabies control

Dog populations, like other populations, depend on the availability of resources (food, water, and shelter). Humans either make available or deliberately withhold resources for varying proportions of dog populations. Dog-keeping practices and the duties of responsible ownership vary with the cultural setting. Dog populations often attain densities that allow the species to be a main host of rabies. The epidemiology of dog rabies is not well understood, despite the easy access to dog populations. Today dog rabies is predominant in developing countries. In addition to the high rate of exposure of humans to dogs, traditional medical beliefs and practices are the most important cultural factors that lead to high numbers of cases of human rabies. Dog rabies control programs have been successful in the past, but most are failing today. Program development should follow managerial principles and take into consideration the biology of dog populations as well as cultural constraints. Elimination of stray dogs is not an efficient means of controlling either the dog population or rabies, but it may create public awareness.