Report on Owned Dog Population Survey in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines

WellBeing International WBI Studies Repository

8-2017

Kazami Joanne Amano

Tamara Kartal Humane Society International

Amit Chaudhari Humane Society International

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Recommended Citation Amano, Kazami Joanne; Kartal, Tamara; and Chaudhari, Amit, "Report on Owned Dog Population Survey in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines" (2017). Demography and Statistics for Companion Animal Populations Collection. 4. https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/demscapop/4

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Report on Owned Dog Population Survey in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines

June 2017

Prepared by: Dr. Kazami Joanne Amano and Tamara Kartal

Survey: Dr. Amit Chaudhari

Humane Society International

August 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION 3

OBJECTIVES 5

METHODOLOGY 6

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 10

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 14

REFERENCES 15

APPENDICES 17

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Humane Society International (HSI) would like to thank the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Department of Agriculture for coordinating the training. We would also like to thank its regional field office (Region VII, Central Visayas), the City Veterinary Office of Lapu-Lapu City, and the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries of Cebu City, for aiding in the conduct of the training and the survey, and providing logistical support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the trainees from different local government units chosen by the BAI, for working hard and helping us in the conduct of the survey of the city. Finally, our gratitude to the participants of the survey for their cooperation and understanding. This survey’s results will help in designing a better program for the control of rabies in Lapu-Lapu City.

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines has consistently been one of the top countries with an existing rabies problem. There is an average of 200 human rabies deaths reported annually, the majority of which are caused by dog bites (Deray, 2015). Globally, more than 95% of human rabies cases have been reported to have domestic dogs as their sources of infection (Cleaveland, et al., 2006). Therefore, it is paramount to address the rabies problem by focusing on the source. It has been established that communities achieve at least 70% vaccination coverage of the dog population to eliminate canine rabies (WHO, 2015) and maintain the population immunity above critical levels for at least a year, and this in turn, interrupts the transmission of rabies (Coleman & Dye, 1996; Cleaveland, et al., 2003; Hampson, et al., 2009; Morters, et al., 2013).

The government has been calling on all sectors involved to help eliminate rabies by the year 2020, to keep up with the ASEAN goal of eradicating rabies. The various local governments in the country have conducted mass vaccination drives, information campaigns, personnel trainings, spay and neuter programs, impounding, and many other programs, in an effort to achieve the national goal by 2020. However, without proper planning, coordination, and execution, these efforts will be futile. One key aspect is the conduct of a less time-consuming and less expensive but more accurate dog population survey. Currently, most local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines rely on the estimated dog population derived from the human population, which is 1 dog per 10 humans. This becomes inaccurate, especially in cities with highly varying terrain and demography. This reliance on an inaccurate estimate becomes a problem in dealing with rabies when it comes to achieving the recommended percentage of the dog population to be vaccinated to control its spread.

Lapu-Lapu City is a city in the Central Visayas province of Cebu. It has a population of 408,112 people as of the 2015 census by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). With a total land area of 58.10 square kilometers (22.43 sq mi), it has a population density of 7,000/km2 (18,000/sq mi). According to a report from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), both the province and the city has been on the list of the most number of positive animal rabies cases in the Philippines in 2016.

Figure 1. Location of Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines

Being free from dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2020 has been one of the priorities of the BAI, and the bureau has partnered with Humane Society International (HSI) to conduct a training on dog population survey for veterinary offices of local governments which are considered priority areas. Lapu-Lapu City was one of those local governments which were chosen by the BAI, and because of its strategic location, was also chosen as the training ground. The city is categorized by the government as a first class, highly urbanized city. It is part of the metropolitan Cebu, connected to Mandaue City in the mainland by two bridges. It occupies most of the island of Mactan, and also includes Olango Island.

Figure 2. Lapu-Lapu City Map

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the owned dog population survey conducted in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines were to: 1. Get an accurate estimate of the owned dog population in Lapu-Lapu City; 2. Establish a baseline data for owned dog population in the city to complement and improve the existing dog population management and rabies control programs; and 3. Train the Lapu-Lapu City Veterinary Office staff to conduct the survey.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was done after the training for dog population survey conducted by HSI in partnership with the BAI. The survey utilized two Android smart phone applications, which are downloadable for free. These are Google Maps (Google Coproration) and OSMTracker for Android™ (Nicolas Guillaumin).

Photo 1. HSI staff training veterinarians and staff of various local government units selected by the BAI through lectures and hands-on exercises.

The training was given by the staff of HSI to the veterinarians and staff of the various local government veterinary offices selected by the BAI as the priority areas. After a day-long training consisting of lectures and actual trials, the survey was conducted by HSI staff, BAI personnel, and the trained veterinary office staff of the various LGUs.

Photo 2. HSI staff training the LGU vets and staff off veterinary offices through field exercises before the actual survey.

The 30 barangays of Lapu-Lapu City were divided into low, medium, and high density areas based on human population density. Low density areas were those with human population below 5,000 per square kilometer. Medium density areas were in the range of 5,000 to below 9,000 humans per square kilometer, while high density areas were those with more than 9,000 humans per square kilometer. There were12 low density barangays identified, and 9 barangays each for medium and high density areas.

Using Raosoft®, it was determined that a sample size of 1,120 households to be surveyed was needed in order to achieve a confidence level of 95% for the owned dog population survey. 5 low-density barangays, 3 medium-density barangays, and 2 high-density barangays were randomly selected using Microsoft Excel. Household sample size varied from 60 to 240, depending on the density of the barangay, as well as the number and spatial distribution of households. It required 15 teams for the survey to be executed efficiently. Out of the 10 barangays selected, one barangay required two teams, and two barangays required three teams. Again, depending on the spatial distribution of the barangay as viewed from the satellite image of the map, sample selection was set to every 5th or 10th household.

Figure 3. Random selection of barangays for Lapu-Lapu City.

A systematic random sampling method was used for this survey. The actual survey was conducted by 15 teams, each consisting of 2 or 3 persons. Each team was assigned a barangay to survey, with 2 to 4 pre-marked survey points per team. These survey points were to serve as guides for the surveyors to avoid overlapping of the areas for each team, and to avoid going out of the set boundaries for each barangay of the city. The teams were to survey a set number of households per survey point by randomly selecting each household through using a fixed interval of every 5th or every 10th household. The teams also followed a rule of counting households on either the left side only, or on the right side only, to avoid selection bias. The surveyors also followed a zigzag pattern, going into smaller streets as well as the major streets, to be able to cover a larger portion of the survey area which is more diverse and randomly selected, and therefore, a better representative of the households in the barangay.

Figure 4. Sample of survey points assigned per barangay (Barangay Basak shown here).

During the household survey, the following data was obtained: number of dog-owning households, number of dogs per household, sex of the owned dogs, confinement status of the dogs, rabies vaccination status of the dogs, willingness of the owners to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies (if not yet vaccinated), sterility status of the dogs, and the willingness of the owners to have their dogs spayed or neutered (if not yet sterilized).

After data collection, the results were extracted from each team, and were analyzed accordingly. Areas covered were double checked, with a few teams having to redo the survey of their assigned areas for some corrections in order to assure the accuracy of the survey. The numbers obtained for each barangay of Lapu-Lapu City was derived from the resulting values of each representative barangays of low, medium, and high densities.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

We estimated that there are 73,146 owned dogs in Lapu-Lapu City, which translates to an average dog ratio of 17.9 dogs per 100 humans. This information is derived from the data collected during the survey of approximately 1,120 households in low density (360 households), medium density (440 households), and high density (320 households) areas.

Table 1. Summary table of the owned dog population survey in Lapu-Lapu City.

Dog per % Dog- Dogs per Density dog- Dog Human owning 100 Category owning population population households humans household Low 35 1.75 9,811 72,674 13.5 Density Medium 42 1.93 26,580 149,158 17.8 Density High 55 1.61 36,755 186,280 19.7 Density Lapu-Lapu 73,146 408,112 17.9 City Total

Relying on the 10% estimate is highly problematic, especially when dealing with something as crucial as rabies eradication, which is focused on saturating the dog population for vaccination. Having an inaccurate estimate of the dog population leads to the failure of the programs, no matter the efforts, because the target is far from the real number, and therefore, falls short of the recommended 70% vaccination coverage.

Based on the results of the survey, it was estimated that 26% to 44%, with an average of only about 36% of the owned dog population is vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination coverage was highest in high density areas, probably because it is easier for the city veterinary staff to reach the urban areas than the low-density, rural areas, wherein the households are scattered and far apart from each other. The results suggest that the recommended vaccination coverage of 70% has not been reached in Lapu-Lapu City, and better planning and effective implementation are needed to improve the saturation.

An overwhelming percentage of the owners were willing to have their dogs vaccinated, ranging from 93.6% to 98.7%. This can be attributed to the various information drives

10 conducted. This also shows that a majority of the population are aware of the dangers of rabies, but somehow not all owners are able to bring their dogs for vaccination, or there are many factors affecting the achievement of the 70% vaccination coverage target. This information may be useful in the planning of the mass vaccination drives in the future.

Table 2. Summary table of dogs vaccinated against rabies and the willingness of owners for their dogs to be vaccinated.

Current rabies vaccination Density Category % Willing to vaccinate status (% coverage) Low Density 26 98.7 Medium Density 38 93.6 High Density 44 98.1 Lapu-Lapu City Average 36 96.8

Sterilization of dogs helps in controlling the population, and it is the more effective and humane way than impounding and culling. Removal of the dogs alone is considered ineffective because it does not have a significant impact on reducing the population densities of dogs (WHO, 2005; Morters, et al., 2013).

The results of the survey showed that about 56% of the dog population is male, and about 44% is female (Table 3). Female dogs were less likely to be sterilized, ranging from 2% to 4% for the three different density areas. On the other hand, male sterilization rates ranged from 6% to 10% throughout the three dog population density categories. These percentages are very low and may be helpful when planning for dog population management programs for rabies control.

When executed efficiently, sterilization of dogs effectively decreases the population, and when done alongside mass vaccination campaigns, also reduces rabies cases. In epidemiological studies, spaying/neutering was found to reduce the human rabies deaths (WHO & OIE, 2016). Surgical sterilization and vaccination of dogs were done in Jaipur, India, from 1994 to 2002. There was a reduction in the dog population by 28% after direct observational studies showed that 65% of the females were spayed and vaccinated. Moreover, Reece and Chawla (2006) noted that in the main government hospital of the program area, the human rabies cases declined to zero, while there was an increase in other nearby areas.

Table 3. Summary table of sterilized male and female dogs.

Femle Male Density % % Total Sterilized Total Sterilized category Sterilized Sterilized female female male male female male Low 4,298 172 4 5,513 331 6 Density Medium 11,787 236 2 14,793 1,479 10 Density High 15,931 319 2 20,824 2,082 10 Density Lapu- 32,016 727 2.67* 41,130 3,892 8.67* Lapu City *average

The willingness of the owners to have their dogs sterilized considerably dropped from that of their willingness to have them vaccinated. The owners’ willingness to sterilize was in the range of 52.2% to 69.4% for the female dogs, and 62.2% to 72.0% for the male dogs (Table 4).

Table 4. Summary table of unsterilized male and female dogs, and the willingness of the owners for their dogs to be sterilized.

Female Male % % Density Estimated Estimated Total Unsterilized Willing Total Unsterilized Willing category willing to willing to female female to male male to sterilize sterilize sterilize sterilize Low 4,298 4,126 2,865 69.4 5,513 5,182 3,733 72.0 Density Medium 11,787 11,551 6,408 55.5 14,793 13,314 8,464 63.6 Density High 15,931 15,612 8,154 52.2 20,824 18,742 11,666 62.2 Density Lapu- Lapu 32,016 31,289 17,427 59.03* 41,130 37,238 23,863 65.93* City *average

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This survey was conducted to create a baseline for the owned dog population in Lapu- Lapu City, Philippines. Moreover, the household survey also gathered data and derived estimates on current rabies vaccination coverage and sterilization status of owned dogs, as well as the willingness of the owners to have their dogs vaccinated and sterilized. These collected data will help in the planning and execution of more effective mass dog vaccination programs against rabies.

The recommended 70% saturation of vaccination was not reached in all categories, with coverage ranging from 26% to 44% per dog density category. Sterilization was as low as 2% to 4% in females, and just a little bit higher in males with 6% to 10% of the male population. Owners were mostly willing to have their dogs vaccinated, with an average of about 96.8%. They were a little more reluctant to have their dogs sterilized than vaccinated, with people owning male dogs slightly more willing (average 65.93%) than those owning female dogs (average 59.03%).

It can be concluded from the results of the survey that dog population will keep increasing, which will have a profound effect on the incidence of rabies cases, both in dogs and in humans. If not addressed appropriately by good planning and implementation, problems in dog overpopulation, dog bite cases, and rabies deaths will only keep growing. In the future, yearly population studies before and after mass vaccination drives will help in proper planning of the programs, implementation, forecasting of population growth rates, and evaluation of the efficiency and effectivity of the programs conducted. Local city ordinances may also be amended, and new ones created, to cater to the enforcement of laws that help in rabies eradication. Responsible dog ownership should be one of the priorities alongside mass vaccination campaigns, as promoting human behavior changes can greatly affect the execution of programs against rabies control.

REFERENCES

CLEAVELAND, S., et al. 2003. A dog rabies vaccination campaign in rural Africa: impact on the incidence of dog rabies and human dog-bite injuries. Vaccine. 2003 May; 21(17-18): 1965-1973. Oxford, U.K.: Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X02007788. Accessed on August 2017.

CLEAVELAND, S., et al. 2006. Canine vaccination—providing broader benefits for disease control. Veterinary Microbiology. 2006 October; 117(1): 43-50. Oxford, U.K.: Elsevier B.V. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037811350600143X. Accessed on August 2017.

COLEMAN, P.G., Dye, C. 1996. Immunization coverage required to prevent outbreaks of dog rabies. Vaccine. 1996 February; 14(3): 185-186. Oxford, U.K.: Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0264410X95001979. Accessed on November 2016.

DERAY, R.A. 2015. Rabies elimination in the Philippines: paradigm shift for the Department of Health. WHO and OIE Conference on Rabies 10-11 December 2015. Retrieved from http://www.oie.int/eng/RABIES2015/presentation/Session_2.3_Deray_Philippi nes.pdf. Accessed on August 2017.

HAMPSON, K., et al. 2009. Transmission dynamics and prospects for the elimination of canine rabies. PLOS Biology. 2009 March; 7(3): 0462-0471. Retrieved from http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.100005 3&type=printable. Accessed on August 2017.

MORTERS, M.K., et al. 2013. Evidence-based control of canine rabies: a critical review of population density reduction. Journal of Animal Ecology. 2013 January; 82(1): 6-14. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579231/. Accessed on August 2017.

REECE, J.F., Chawla, S.K. 2006. Control of rabies in Jaipur, India, by the sterilization and vaccination of neighbourhood dogs. Veterinary Record. 2006 September 16; 159(12): 379-383. Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.575.5295&rep=rep1 &type=pdf. Accessed on December 2016.

WHO. 2005. WHO Expert consultation on rabies: first report. 5-8 October 2004 WHO Technical Report Series; No. 931. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/rabies/ExpertConsultationOnRabies.pdf?ua=1. Accessed on July 2017.

WHO, OIE. 2016. Global elimination of dog-mediated human rabies: report of the rabies global conference, 10-11 December 2015, Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204621/1/WHO_HTM_NTD_NZD_201 6.02_eng.pdf. Accessed on July 2017.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Summary table of estimated dog population in Lapu-Lapu City.

Number of Area Density/ Dog Density Barangay Population households sq.km sq km Population category Calawisan 11,454 2,545 9.5690 1,197 1546 Low Santa Rosa 4,302 956 2.8344 1,518 581 Low Tungasan 1,871 416 0.8615 2,172 253 Low Sabang 6,091 1,354 1.9520 3,120 822 Low Tingo 3,088 686 0.9628 3,207 417 Low Baring 3,353 745 0.9144 3,667 453 Low Subabasbas 6,288 1,397 1.6570 3,795 849 Low Punta 8,753 1,945 2.1830 4,010 1182 Low Engaño San Vicente 3,854 856 0.9500 4,057 520 Low Caw-oy 1,837 408 0.4228 4,345 248 Low Marigondon 19,713 4,381 4.5140 4,367 2661 Low Pangan-an 2,070 460 0.4606 4,494 279 Low Ibo 8,126 1,806 1.4800 5,491 1446 Medium Maribago 16,591 3,687 2.8310 5,860 2953 Medium Buaya 16,072 3,572 2.7140 5,922 2861 Medium Talima 5,734 1,274 0.9620 5,960 1021 Medium Pajac 17,402 3,867 2.5889 6,722 3098 Medium Mactan 33,465 7,437 4.9520 6,758 5957 Medium Babag 22,756 5,057 3.0712 7,409 4051 Medium Agus 15,767 3,504 2.1120 7,465 2807 Medium Canjulao 13,245 2,943 1.5580 8,501 2358 Medium Basak 59,873 13,305 6.0310 9,928 11795 High Bankal 20,872 4,638 2.0080 10,394 4112 High Pajo 20,999 4,666 1.5400 13,636 4137 High Gun-ob 31,219 6,938 2.2691 13,758 6150 High Cawhagan 638 142 0.0452 14,100 126 High Looc 16,016 3,559 1.0420 15,370 3155 High Poblacion 5,581 1,240 0.3551 15,717 1099 High Pusok 28,810 6,402 1.5330 18,793 5676 High Caubian 2,272 505 0.0869 26,160 448 High TOTAL 408,112 90,692 64.4608 73058