Definition and validation of the canine population in Umbria: How many dogs we have in Umbria? (Italy)g

The estimation of the incidence rate of zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases, as cancer, among dogs and the monitoring of cases of bites to humans requires valid demographic data of the population registry. In Umbria region, Veterinary and Food Information System (SIVA) is the database that can be used by public and freelance veterinaries for the updating of regional dogs registry. The aim of this study is to estimate the size of the dog population in Umbria region (2013). The total dog population for Umbria region was estimated to be 197.890: 192.665 dogs had a certain residence in Umbria while the residence was not recorded for 5.225 alive dogs; the number of dogs was higher in the province of Perugia (n. 141.068) than in the province of Terni (n. 51.597). Dogs belonged to a recognized breed were 81.395 in the first area and 30.155 in the second one. Crossbreed dogs were 59.084 in the province of Perugia and 21.160 in the province of Terni. A number of 871 dogs belonged to not recognized breed (n. 589 in the province of Perugia and n. 282 in the province of Terni)