Key Findings
Researchers combined direct dog counts with surveys to determine the number of owned and ownerless dogs in 1,750 grids across four Thai districts. They found that 86.6% of counted dogs were owned, and over 70% of these owned dogs roamed freely at least partially.
Using these counts, researchers estimated Thailand’s total dog population at approximately 12.8 million, including 11.2 million owned dogs and 1.6 million ownerless dogs. This data is valuable for planning rabies vaccination campaigns.
The distribution of owned dogs was influenced by residential areas, human population density, and proximity to roads. Ownerless dogs were more likely found near community factors like markets, garbage dumps, and temples.
Summary
In Thailand, animal bites, primarily from free-roaming dogs, are a significant public health concern. Annually, nearly 1 million people are bitten. The growing number of strays has exacerbated issues related to hygiene, rabies prevention, and public safety.
In particular, rabies is endemic in Thailand and poses a serious threat. Between 2010 and 2015, 46 people died from rabies, and hundreds of thousands received post-exposure treatments annually. Dog rabies cases are common, with thousands of samples testing positive for rabies between 2013 and 2020.
To combat this, global and local organizations have set a goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Accurate data on dog populations is essential to acehive this. The study, “Spatial Distribution and Population Estimation of Dogs in Thailand: Implications for Rabies Prevention and Control,” sought to characterize dog populations, analyze their distribution, and estimate their numbers across the country.
Study Methods
The study focused on four districts across Thailand: Kampangsan, Mueang Nong Kai, Mueang Nan, and Mueang Trang. Each district was divided into grids, and a random sample of approximately 400 grids (at least 10%) was selected for dog surveys.
Between May 2018 and September 2019, teams of navigators and observers conducted the surveys. Navigators used GPS to locate grid areas, while observers counted dogs and gathered information about ownership and movement restrictions.
Dogs were classified as owned or ownerless. Owned dogs were further categorized by their confinement level (always kept inside, semi-independent, independent). Ownerless dogs were either community dogs, occasionally fed by locals, or feral dogs, receiving no care.
The collected data was used to analyze dog populations, including ownership patterns and movement restrictions. Researchers then modeled the spatial distribution of dogs and predicted their numbers across the entire country. Finally, they examined the relationship between dog ownership and various factors such as human population, land use, and proximity to food sources.
Study Results
The survey data revealed that 945 of the 1,750 surveyed grids had dogs, with a significant majority (86.6%) being owned. Among owned dogs, 25% were confined, 51% were independent, and 21% were semi-independent. Ownerless dogs were primarily feral (72%), while the rest were classified as community dogs.
The study highlights the need for effective dog population management due to the high prevalence of freely roaming dogs, which increases the risk of rabies transmission. Similar findings have been reported in other rabies-endemic regions in Thailand.
The distribution of owned dogs was influenced by residential areas, human population, and proximity to roads. Ownerless dogs were more likely found near community factors like markets, garbage dumps, and temples. Temples often serve as food sources and shelters for stray dogs. Urban areas had higher dog densities compared to rural areas. For instance, in urban Mueang Chiang Mai, the dog density was estimated at 184 dogs per square kilometer, while in the rural district of Fang, it was much lower at 29 dogs per square kilometer.
The study estimated Thailand’s total dog population at approximately 12.8 million, with 11.2 million owned dogs and 1.6 million ownerless dogs. The density of owned dogs was estimated at 21.7 dogs per square kilometer, while the density of ownerless dogs was 3.2 dogs per square kilometer.
To control rabies, it’s crucial to vaccinate at least 70% of the dog population. This study provides an initial technical approach for estimating dog populations, aiding in strategic planning for dog population control measures.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Street Dogs / Thailand
Year of Publication:
2021
External Link:
Thanapongtharm W, Kasemsuwan S, Wongphruksasoong V, Boonyo K, Pinyopummintr T, Wiratsudakul A, Gilbert M and Leelahapongsathon K (2021) Spatial Distribution and Population Estimation of Dogs in Thailand: Implications for Rabies Prevention and Control. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:790701. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.790701
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.790701