Authors : E. Sanchez Machorro, J.A. Romero Lopez, N. Villalobos and J.J. Martinez Maya
Abstract: This study is aimed to characterize the dog population in Cuauhtemoc an urban locality in Mexico city, considering housing marginalization indices as well as demographic and health-related variables. Having determined a minimum sample size of 1033 surveys based on a stratified random sampling proportionally distributed in three socioeconomic strata (low, middle and high marginalization index), complete house blocks (conglomerates) were selected and surveyed. In total, 1129 surveys were applied in high, middle and low marginality areas (140, 608 and 381 surveys, respectively). The predominant property type in low marginality venues were individual houses with a lower number of inhabitants per separate living area thus, a lower human:dog ratio (6.47:1) was found in this stratum. Additionally, spaying/neutering (39%) and vaccination were more frequent in low marginality areas than in other strata. The population pyramid profile was compatible with a growing young population with a high reproductive potential. Sterilization and vaccination rates, as well as deworming were low in general. Our results highlight the need to strengthen educational campaigns for a responsible dog ownership, emphasizing reproductive, vaccination and deworming control programs.
E. Sanchez Machorro, J.A. Romero Lopez, N. Villalobos and J.J. Martinez Maya, 2020. Dog Population Structure in Areas of Occupational Competency in the Cuauhtemoc Locality, Mexico City, 2009. Veterinary Research, 13: 19-24.