Animals and diseases prevalence of the rescued dogs in an animal shelter in Incheon

Animals and disease frequency of the rescued dogs were investigated in Incheon Veterinary Medical Association Animal Shelter from January in 2012 to December in 2013. Three zoonoses (rabies, brucellosis, and dirofilariosis) and three infectious diseases (canine distemper, canine parvoviral enteritis, and canine influenza) were examined for stray dogs. Among 5,603 heads, 647 (11.5%) went back to their owner and 969 (17.3%) were adopted to new families. Prevalence of dirofilariosis, canine distemper and canine parvoviral enteritis were 2.2% (16/718), 6.0% (24/399) and 6.1% (24/396), respectively. Positive antibody rates against rabies, B. canis and canine influenza virus were 20.5% (41/200), 0.1% (1/718) and 2.0% (4/200), respectively. Protective antibody for canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus were shown in 47.0% (94/200). The data indicate that control measures including facility standards and disease control program are one of the important aspects of the shelter management because stray dogs are exposed to various infectious agents.