While many new surveying techniques are being tried and tested, the truth is there is currently no accurate estimate regarding the actual number of stray dogs worldwide. The estimates that do exist vary from 200 million to 600 million worldwide. Although these estimates vary wildly, we can all agree that there are too many dogs living their lives on the street. (1)

While many new surveying techniques are being tried and tested, the truth is there is currently no accurate estimate regarding the actual number of stray dogs worldwide. The estimates that do exist vary from 200 million to 600 million worldwide. Although these estimates vary wildly, we can all agree that there are too many dogs living their lives on the street. (1)

Not only do high density populations represent public health issues due to zoonotic diseases and dog bites, but the quality of life for the dogs is likely to be lower than that of a dog with access to shelter, veterinary care and proper diet.

Although there are thousands of vets practicing worldwide, some of them are large animal vets and others simply do not have the money to undertake the burden of providing medical care to countless street dogs.

Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans.

According to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, zoonotic diseases that pertain to dogs are as follows: Cryptosporidosis is an infection of the gastrointestinal system caused by a parasite. Cryptosporidiosis has been found in people, cats and dogs living in the same environment, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transfer between species exists. Most people get cryptosporidosis from contaminated water, but be cautious with pet waste. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Giardiasis: Caused by the parasite Giardia, giardiasis is the most frequent cause of nonbacterial diarrhea in North America – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Influenza: While the highly-pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has yet to be discovered in the US, it is expected to be found here in the future. In central Thailand, where the H5N1 strain has been found, dogs have tested positive for its antibodies, suggesting infection in dogs is likely. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. In people, the symptoms are often flu-like. The risk of getting leptospirosis through common contact with a dog is low; the primary mode of transmission is through contact with contaminated animal urine. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): Transmission of MRSA infections between pets and humans are increasing, with the most common being infections of the skin, soft-tissue and surgical infections. Dog or cat bites can result in infection, caused by bacteria from the animal’s mouth and on the patients’ body. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Ringworm (a fungus) is transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal’s skin or hair. Dogs, especially puppies, can pass ringworm to people – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Salmonellosis is caused by the bacteria Salmonella. It can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment, although it can be fatal to those with fragile immune systems. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Toxocariasis (Roundworm): Adult roundworms are an intestinal parasite that resemble strands of spaghetti. Their eggs are shed through a pet’s feces and, while fresh feces are not infectious, the eggs become infectious over time as they sit in grass, soil or sand. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system. It is only transmitted by a bite from a rabid animal. – See more at: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs#sthash.t1VR9XVJ.dpuf (3)

The short answer is yes, but only if the dog is infected and you are bitten. (4)

Immediately and vigorously wash the would with soap and water and seek medical care straight away. (4)

An estimated 55 000 people die annually from rabies (though this estimate is thought to be high), and bites from rabid dogs account for the vast majority of these deaths. (4)

Over 95% of human rabies deaths today occur in Africa and Asia as a result of being bitten by an infected dog and up to 60% of all dog bites and rabies deaths occur in children under 15 years of age. (5)

There are a number of programs addressing the issue. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon in some countries to utilize inhumane culling methods to try and reduce the population. (6, 7)

Actually culling has proven to be an ineffective attempt at reducing population numbers and preventing rabies and it is inhumane, involving slow and painful deaths of many of the dogs as they are poisoned, crushed or beaten. (6)

There definitely is! Spay and neutering street dogs is the best way to reduce the growing number of street dogs. This is also a good opportunity to vaccinate the dogs, thereby reducing the spread of disease and preventing individual dogs from experiencing painful or life threatening diseases. (8)

Vaccinating 70 per cent of an area’s dog population creates a barrier of healthy, immunized animals which prevents this deadly disease spreading. With the barrier in effect, rabies cannot be passed between dogs and canine cases decrease. Over time, rabies in dogs is eliminated, as is the threat to humans (9)