While our results suggest that the Waiwai have developed cultural practices that may promote dog health and/or prevent zoonotic disease transmission, more research is necessary to determine the efficacy of these practices. Our study provides important data on the health of dogs and the potential for disease transmission to humans in a zoonotic hotspot.ĭomestic dogs are found throughout the world and interact closely with both wildlife and humans. Dogs can harbor numerous diseases that can be transmitted to other domestic and wildlife species, and human populations. They can serve as bridges, moving diseases between unconnected populations. Therefore, understanding what pathogens domestic dogs harbor can inform both wildlife and human health.Īdditionally, dogs can help in the early detection of wildlife and human diseases. In this study, we performed physical examinations, collected biological samples, and administered questionnaires to assess dog health and understand the role of dogs as potential bridges of disease transmission from wildlife to humans among indigenous Waiwai in the Konashen Community Owned Conservation Area, Guyana. On physical exam, we observed ectoparasites on all dogs, however, few pathogens were detected with diagnostic screening.
Our questionnaire data revealed that the Waiwai engage in husbandry practices that may promote Waiwai dog health.Ĭitation: Milstein MS, Shaffer CA, Suse P, Marawanaru A, Heinrich DA, Larsen PA, et al.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis 16(6):Įditor: Monique Léchenne, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute: Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut, SWITZERLAND (2022) A mixed-methods approach to understanding domestic dog health and disease transmission risk in an indigenous reserve in Guyana, South America. Received: AugAccepted: Published: June 10, 2022Ĭopyright: © 2022 Milstein et al.
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