Serra da Tiririca Dogs and Cats Project: Population Control Data in the Serra da Tiririca State Park, Rio de Janeiro

Gabriela Lins de Albuquerque1, Daiana Santana1, Phillipe Doria1, João Silveira1, Fernando Paqueco1, Carolina Colchete1, Ana Carolina Meirelles1, Beatriz da Silva1, Fábio Ascoli1, Aline de Souza1, Gisela Gioia1, Felipe Queiroz2, Nádia Almosny1, and Sávio Bruno1

1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Brazil

2. Principal of Biodiversity and Protected Areas, Management of Conservation Units, State Intitute of Environment, Brazil

Abstract: Interactions between domestic and wild animals in conservation units contribute to impacts on the native fauna and enable disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Within a One Health framework, the aim of the Serra da Tiririca Dogs and Cats Project is to control the population of cats and dogs in the state park by castration and consequently mitigate the aforementioned impacts. To date, the project 231 dogs and 99 cats have been recorded of which 132 have been castrated including 55 dogs and 77 cats. Consequently, the project contributes to a healthier ecosystem, improves animal and owner welfare, and can be used as a monitoring tool.

Key words: population control, conservation medicine, veterinary monitoring, One Health