Rabies Surveillance and Dog Population Management: Insights from a Survey of Roaming Dogs in Qatar 2024

Rabies Surveillance and Dog Population Management: Insights from a Survey of Roaming Dogs in Qatar 2024 | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Rabies Surveillance and Dog Population Management: Insights from a Survey of Roaming Dogs in Qatar 2024 Elmogiera Elawad, Muzzamil Atta, Mohamed Agied, Mahmoud Mohamed, and 4 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7013999/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In 2024, a total of 1,333 roaming dogs were sampled across Qatar to estimate their population size and test for rabies. Surveyed areas were randomly selected to ensure representation across all municipalities and zones, encompassing 419 of 4,000 total blocks. A portable laboratory device analyzed biological samples directly in the field. The results showed that all tested dogs were free of rabies, with male and adult dogs being more prevalent. Most sampled dogs were in relatively good health, exhibited friendly behavior, and had strong appetites. This study prioritized animal welfare by vaccinating all examined dogs against rabies, following protocols approved by Qatar University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The absence of rabies suggests the effectiveness of disease control measures, with significant implications for public health and policy-making. These findings support a high level of confidence that the prevalence of these diseases within Qatar’s canine population is low or nonexistent. The results underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to sustain Qatar’s rabies-free status and highlight the need for sustainable population management of roaming dogs to minimize zoonotic risks, thereby enhancing public health and safety. Health sciences/Diseases Health sciences/Health care Health sciences/Medical research Biological sciences/Microbiology Biological sciences/Zoology Dog population Rabies Qatar and roaming dogs Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1. Introduction Rabies (RABV) is a fatal zoonotic disease and a significant global public health concern. Ranked among the most lethal infectious diseases 26 , 18 , it is a viral encephalitis caused by viruses of the genus LYSSAVIRUS within the RHABDOYIRIDAE ae family. Rabies can infect all mammals, including humans, and is responsible for at least 59,000 human rabies-related deaths annually worldwide, though the true burden is likely higher due to diagnostic challenges, particularly in rabies-endemic regions 18 , 34 . Rabies not only poses a human health risk but also affects livestock populations, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, in regions such as South America 6 . Lyssaviruses are transmitted through saliva, making it the preferred sample for studying viral shedding 14 . Since no effective treatment exists once neurological symptoms appear, rabies has a near 100% case-fatality rate, making it the deadliest zoonotic disease in the world. Canine-mediated rabies accounts for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, particularly in Asia and Africa, where an estimated 99% of human rabies cases are linked to canine transmission 35 . In contrast, in North America, parts of Western Europe, and Australia—where transmission by dogs is largely controlled—bats and other wildlife species serve as the primary reservoirs 19 , 35 . However, in many developing nations, especially in Africa and Asia, dogs continue to be the predominant RABV reservoir 10 . After India, China reports the highest annual incidence of human rabies cases, with dogs playing a pivotal role in transmission, driven by socioeconomic and climate factors 16 . Areas with inadequate waste management, such as poorly maintained or substandard landfills and slaughterhouses, provide a stable food source for roaming dogs, increasing their population density and elevating RABV transmission rates 23 . Additionally, climatic conditions influence rabies epidemiology, with higher temperatures positively correlated with increased rabies incidence, while greater precipitation is associated with lower transmission rates 25 . The RABV virus, along with other lyssaviruses, is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA (-ssRNA) virus. These RNA viruses exhibit high mutation rates and rapid evolutionary changes through natural selection and recombination, enabling them to adapt efficiently to new hosts and cellular environments. Given these evolutionary dynamics, controlling rabies transmission requires sustained surveillance and proactive intervention strategies. Dog-mediated rabies transmission is influenced by multiple factors, including dog population density, shared national borders, poverty levels, and infrastructure, including road density 2 , 21 . Asia accounts for approximately 59% of global rabies deaths, followed by Africa at 36% 33,35 . While dog population density plays a role, other research has emphasized that the mere presence of dogs—regardless of their density—can be a primary factor in transmission. Furthermore, the geography of a given area may enable or constrain virus diffusion 7 . In countries with poor monitoring and diagnostic capacity, responses to suspected rabies outbreaks have often relied on mass culling of dogs. However, such reactive strategies have been found to be largely ineffective 28 , 27 . Street dogs are generally not classified as purebred breeds. Instead, they fall into two broad categories: mixed-breed dogs and unbred landraces, such as the Indian pariah dog (Pal, 2001). A landrace is a domesticated, locally adapted canine variety that has adapted over generations to both its natural and cultural environments, such as agriculture and pastoralism, and in isolation from other populations of the species 15 . As a result, landrace populations often exhibit distinct physical and behavioral traits shaped by their respective ecosystems. The defining characteristic of a stray dog is the absence of ownership, rather than any specific physical trait such as size, coat type, or color (Wildlife Education and Directory of Wildlife Experts, 2020). Regardless of ownership status, canines exhibit significant morphological variation, influenced by breed, lineage, and environmental conditions. They may have elongated or flat faces, floppy or upright ears, compact or lanky bodies, and tails that are fluffy, curled, or absent altogether. 8 classified dog breeds based on size, categorizing them as follows: toy and miniature (e.g., Chihuahuas, Pomeranians), medium-sized (e.g., terriers, spaniels), large (e.g., retrievers, shepherds, setters), and giant breeds (e.g., mastiffs, Komondors, Saint Bernards). This spectrum spans a weight range from 5 to 250 pounds (2.3 to 114 kilograms), with the heaviest dog ever recorded being an Old English Mastiff, weighing 314 pounds (142 kilograms). Larger breeds are uncommon in Qatar. To better reflect the local dog population, SESRI consulted veterinary and animal research experts from the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment to develop a regionally relevant weight classification: Small: up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms). Medium: 23 to 55 pounds (11 to 25 kilograms). Large: 56 to 99 pounds (26 to 45 kilograms). Giant: 100 pounds (46 kilograms) or more. This classification accounts for potential differences due to health status. For example, an overweight dog may exceed the typical weight range but does not necessarily belong to a larger breed category. Within breeds, size variability exists, with males generally larger than females. Mixed-breed dogs also encompass a broad range of sizes due to diverse genetic influences. A prevalent breed type in Qatar is known as the “Local” dog (“Mahali” in Arabic), a regional variety of the pariah dog lineage found in South Asia. These medium-sized dogs have inhabited the Middle East for centuries, naturally adapting to the region’s extreme temperatures through natural selection. Beyond ownership status, a dog’s physical condition often serves as the primary indicator of whether it is a stray or a pet. Stray and roaming dogs often appear emaciated, with prominent bones or a swollen midsection, typically caused by parasitic infections rather than adequate nutrition. Their coats are often unkempt and dirty. Long-haired dogs or those with thick undercoats may develop severe matting, leading to secondary health problems. Certain breeds may also exhibit noticeable eye or nasal discharge, and overgrown nails may curl into the paw pads, causing discomfort. In summary, signs of neglect and environmental exposure are key indicators of a stray or roaming dog. These characteristics, combined with the type of locations where they are observed, serve as the primary means of identifying them. Objectives of the Study The primary study aim is to estimate the size of the roaming dog population; however, this paper focuses on the following objectives: Rabies Testing: Assess the prevalence of rabies in roaming dog populations using field-based portable laboratory devices. Health Assessment: Evaluate the overall health and welfare of roaming dogs based on physical indicators such as body size, behavior, and appetite. Disease Surveillance: Monitor for the presence of other zoonotic diseases, such as leishmaniasis, in addition to rabies. Demographic Analysis: Examine the distribution of sex and age within the roaming dog population. Informing Policy and Public Health Interventions: Use findings to support public health policies and animal welfare strategies in Qatar. 2. Methodology and Materials This study was conducted with the permission of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Qatar University (QU-IACUC) and was approved under Ethics Commission No. (QU-IACUC 010/2024). The Institutional Review Board (IRB) also approved the sedation protocol for aggressive dogs, which was applied in the study. Veterinarians participating in the study were certified by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program). As a safety measure, study personnel were vaccinated against rabies. We confirm that all methods described in this study were performed in accordance with the relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and regulations. Additionally, the study design, animal handling, and reporting were conducted in compliance with the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines to ensure transparency, rigor, and reproducibility in animal research. All dogs within the sampled areas were captured irrespective of temperament or disposition. A specialized veterinarian evaluated each captured dog based on its behavior, and the results indicated that approximately 11% of the dogs exhibited aggressive behavior, while most dogs were calm, with many displaying friendly behavior. Dogs were captured using nets and cages and then marked with identification tags. In cases of severe aggression, sedation was administered following the approved protocol before handling. To assess body condition, the Purina Body Condition Score Chart, a 9-point system, was used to evaluate canine health. Following rabies testing, all dogs were vaccinated and safely released back into their environment. Sampling The State of Qatar is administratively divided into eight municipalities, which are further subdivided into 98 zones. These zones are geographically structured according to a housing sample frame, consisting of 4,497 blocks. The research team conducted an exploratory survey of roaming dogs across all geographic zones of Qatar. The survey aimed to update the mapping of roaming dog populations and collect a representative sample from all zones. In total, this survey covered 4,497 census blocks across eight municipalities. Following the exploration phase, a random sample of 419 geographical blocks was selected see attached (1) selected area map. Table (1) presents the distribution of these sampled blocks across various municipalities. The sample predominantly covers Doha and Al Rayyan, which together account for nearly 68% of the surveyed blocks. This distribution aligns with Qatar’s housing density, as the majority of residential units are located in these two municipalities. The remaining municipalities contribute smaller, yet proportionate, shares to the overall sample. See Map No. 1 – Annex 1 shows the geographical areas selected as part of the sample. Table 1 Number of Sample Blocks according to Municipality Municipality Number of Blocks Percentage Doha 183 43.7 Al Rayyan 101 24.1 Al Wakrah 34 8.1 Umm Sala 18 4.3 Al Daayen 17 4.1 Al Kour and Al Dhakhira 29 6.9 Al Shamal 10 2.4 Al Sheehaniya 27 6.4 Total 419 100 Data Collection Data was collected from October to November 2024. Field teams were deployed across municipalities and zones in Qatar according to the probability sample. A total of 22 teams participated in the study, including those responsible for rescuing unhealthy or injured dogs for treatment. Each team consisted of a veterinarian, three laborers responsible for capturing dogs, and a data entry specialist. All teams were trained in research-based handling techniques to ensure both worker safety and the welfare of the dogs. The data entry specialist used a mobile application to record laboratory test results, document each dog’s characteristics, and log its capture location using the Global Positioning System (GPS). A customized field tool was developed specifically for this study to record detailed descriptions, characteristics, and images of dogs. Biological Sample Collection and Diagnostic Techniques The diagnostic protocol included a Rabies Antigen Rapid Test for all sampled dogs. Had any dog tested positive, a chromatographic immunoassay (Rabies Ag Canine Test Kit, Bionote, Korea) would have been conducted following the manufacturer's instructions 30 . Had any positive results been found, they would have been confirmed using the gold standard test, the direct fluorescent antibody test and brain sample collection, in accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Manual (2018, Chap. 2.1.17). Roaming dogs, particularly those exhibiting nervous or aggressive behavior, were captured using live traps or catch poles. Sedation was administered intramuscularly (I.M.) at a dosage of 5–30 µg/kg using Medetomidine Hydrochloride (1 mg/ml) (Ilium Medetomidine, Troy, Australia), as described in 24 . 3. Results Sample Management Figure (1) shows that the Municipality of Doha had the highest percentage of dogs examined for rabies (48.4%) and the largest proportion of the study sample blocks (43.7%). Al Rayyan had the second-highest proportion, with 22.7% of dogs examined for rabies while accounting for 24.1% of the study sample blocks. T he other municipalities had smaller shares in both rabies examinations and the distribution of study blocks. Overall, all municipalities and zones were represented in the study sample. Dogs Characteristics Table 2: Roaming dog characteristics Dog Characteristics Categories Freq Percent Sex Male 767 57.5 Female 566 42.5 Age Group Puppy 449 33.7 Adolescent 344 25.8 Adult 540 40.5 Dog Size Small 332 24.8 Medium 571 42.8 Large 430 32.2 Dog behavior Aggressive 153 11.4 Frightened 386 28.9 Friendly with good appetite 742 55.6 Anxious 47 3.5 Other 5 0.37 Breed type Crossing breed 979 73.4 Local 209 15.6 Sloughi 33 2.4 Canaan 51 3.8 German Shepherd 11 0.8 Other 50 3.8 Total 1,333 100 The data allow for an analysis of roaming dogs based on their characteristics, including sex, age, size, breed, and observed behavior. Table 1 presents the descriptive statistics for the total number of 1,333 dogs examined, including 767 male dogs (57.5%) and 566 female dogs (42.5%). A plurality of the sampled roaming dogs were adults (40.5%), followed by puppies (33.7%), while adolescents comprised 25.8% of the sample. The majority of roaming dogs were categorized as friendly with good appetite (55.6%), followed by frightened dogs (28.9%). A smaller proportion exhibited aggressive behavior (11.4%) or anxious behavior (3.5%), while five dogs (0.37%) whose behavior could not be characterized were placed into the “Other” category. Table 1 also summarizes the size distribution of the sampled dogs. Medium-sized dogs were the most common (42.8%), followed by large dogs (32.2%), while small dogs made up 24.8% of the sample. The "Crossing breed" represented the majority at 73.4%, followed by local breeds at 15.6%. Other specific breeds included Sloughi (2.4%), Canaan (3.8%), and German Shepherd (0.8%), with "Other" breeds comprising 3.8%. Finally, the majority of sampled roaming dogs were classified within body condition scores of 3 (28.04%) and 4 (26.39%), indicating that most dogs fell into mid-range body condition categories (Figure 2). Rabies Test Results During the study, all 1,333 sampled stray dogs were tested for rabies infection using the Rabies Antigen Rapid Test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All samples collected from these dogs tested negative for rabies. These results indicate that rabies was not detected in this representative sample during the study period. 4. Discussion This study underscores the ongoing and effective management of stray dog populations in Qatar. These findings align with this study 4 , who include Qatar alongside Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as exceptions to the general regional trend of rabies presence. Nevertheless, findings from other studies in the region highlight the need for continued vigilance given how rapidly the disease can spread if not properly monitored. The roaming dog population in Qatar—categorized by sex, age, size, and breed—largely aligns with findings from other studies, which report a higher number of males than females, a greater prevalence of mixed breeds, and most dogs being in good health based on size. These factors are largely attributed to the availability of shelter and food, particularly in the industrial area of Doha Municipality. Additionally, they reflect centuries of adaptation and the intelligence of the species. Stray dogs and cats have been shown to obtain sufficient food even in poorly managed urban environments, contributing to population growth. Street dogs display a marked preference for proteins over carbohydrates when foraging (Bhattarai et al., 2021), with vaccination campaigns potentially influenced by canine nutrition and infrastructure capacity 17 . Overall, male dogs tend to exhibit higher survival rates than females. In an older study from the Zaghouan Governorate in Tunisia, the prevalence of male dogs was much higher than in this study, with a sex ratio of approximately 2.75 males per female—more than twice the ratio found in Qatar (1.35:1) 3 , 20 . While the results from Qatar suggest either a low prevalence or an absence of rabies during the study period, studies from elsewhere in the region indicate that rabies remains a serious concern. For instance, Darkaoui et al. (2017) documented over a century of efforts to combat rabies in Morocco, yet in 2015, the country still officially recorded 248 cases, confirming 82% of them. Similarly, confirmed 37% of 91 suspected cases in Saudi Arabia, while a study in Yemen (Al-Shamahy et al., 2013) found that 63% of 180 suspected animal brain samples tested positive for rabies. In Oman, 13 found that 54% of 64 animal samples tested positive for rabies between 2017 and 2019, though the majority of cases were not from canines. Notably, these studies primarily involved retrospective testing of suspected cases rather than random samples, which limits direct comparability. Nevertheless, they support the conclusion of 4 that rabies remains endemic in the region, including in countries of the Arabian Peninsula, with stray dogs consistently identified as a major reservoir for the virus. Given the persistent public health challenge posed by rabies in free-roaming dog populations across the region, comprehensive rabies control programs—including mass dog vaccination, public awareness campaigns, and effective management of stray dog populations—remain crucial, along with continuous monitoring 18 . A vaccination target of 70% of canines has frequently been cited as the benchmark for cost-effective and sustained control 17 , 9 , 29 . Although no rabies cases were found among the sampled roaming dogs in Qatar during this study, the risk of rabies introduction underscores the need for sustained vigilance, as a single rabid dog could alter the epidemiological landscape. Indeed, in both 2018 and 2019, Qatar documented cases of workers diagnosed with RABV contracted in Nepal 31 . Sustained surveillance programs serve as an integral component of long-term rabies control and prevention strategies. Such measures offer a proactive approach in contrast to reactive strategies that rely on testing suspected cases only after an outbreak has occurred. Furthermore, concurrent efforts to promote animal welfare and public health, including mass vaccination campaigns, will reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks. Ethical and sustainable population management methods, backed by legislative and policy support, can further strengthen these efforts. As exemplified by the well-known Prophetic teaching, “Tie your camel and trust in Allah,” prudent preparation goes hand in hand with faith, mirroring the Western adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” 5. Conclusion In addition to indicating that Qatar likely has no active rabies cases among its roaming dog population, this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics and behaviors of these dogs in the surveyed areas. The key findings are as follows: Rabies (and Leishmaniasis) testing: All 1,333 roaming dogs sampled across the State of Qatar tested negative for rabies, and no cases of leishmaniasis were detected. These results suggest that disease control measures are effective and that Qatar is likely free of these infections. Population Demographics: Male and adult dogs are more prevalent among roaming populations, reflecting behavioral and environmental influences on their movement patterns and survival rates. Breed and Size Distribution: Medium-sized and local or mixed-breed dogs constitute the majority of the population, highlighting the need for welfare programs and management strategies tailored to these groups. Behavioral traits: Most roaming dogs display friendly behavior, an important consideration for shaping approaches to community-based care initiatives. Body Condition Scores: The majority of dogs exhibit moderate body condition, with relatively few in severe states. This finding reinforces the importance of environmental and dietary factors in supporting canine health. Adaptability and Resilience: Roaming dogs demonstrate diverse characteristics and strong survival skills, highlighting the importance of flexibility in addressing individual needs when implementing management or rescue programs. The findings from this study underscore the need for targeted interventions, breed-specific programs, and ongoing research to understand better the factors shaping roaming dog populations, improve animal welfare, and safeguard public health. Integrated management programs, including mass vaccination, continuous monitoring, and community engagement, should be maintained and strengthened to sustain Qatar’s rabies-free status and reduce zoonotic risks more broadly. Declarations Author Contribution Elmogiera Elawad, Muzzamil Atta and Mahmoud Mohamed wrote the main manuscript text Mohamed Agied wrote tables and figures Saleh Almari, Hussen Alyahri, Abdulaziz Alziarh logestics John Holmes revised manuscript Data Availability All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files. Funding declaration: The authors declare that funding provided by Qatar University. 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World Health Organization (2023). https://www.who.int . (2018–2023). World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). [Online resource]. (2018). https://www.woah.org . updated 2024). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files Annex1.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7013999","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":507420746,"identity":"e0f70949-afe1-49f7-8957-d3eeaa899ad8","order_by":0,"name":"Elmogiera Elawad","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Qatar University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Elmogiera","middleName":"","lastName":"Elawad","suffix":""},{"id":507420747,"identity":"37d41a30-5e10-432c-b56a-becd3cd5a894","order_by":1,"name":"Muzzamil Atta","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Municipality","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Muzzamil","middleName":"","lastName":"Atta","suffix":""},{"id":507420748,"identity":"6112f53c-f9f6-41e2-905a-31a7a13093e9","order_by":2,"name":"Mohamed Agied","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Qatar University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohamed","middleName":"","lastName":"Agied","suffix":""},{"id":507420749,"identity":"c17f4817-9aee-45ff-858c-f49df2011e84","order_by":3,"name":"Mahmoud Mohamed","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA3ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACgxs5Bsxg1vEGIrVY3nlXANFy5gCRWuzvv/8A0XIjgUgtZrdzNz4uqNkmx3fzdeoGhl82iQ3syQ8IadlsPOPYbWPJ27nbbjD2pSU28DwzIKRlmzQP2+3EDWAtPYeNGSQS8GsBhpiZNM+/2/Ubbp6FaUn/QFgLb9vtBIMbvNtuMPw4LMcgkUPQFmNj3r7bhjPPAB2W2JAmx8bzpoCQFsPHPN9uy/MdBzrswx8bHn729A14taCCxDYGBjaGBBJ0MDD8ARGkaRkFo2AUjILhDwAt11V8ntC/ggAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Municipality","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mahmoud","middleName":"","lastName":"Mohamed","suffix":""},{"id":507420750,"identity":"000e8dd5-faa1-4935-8554-a6281a8ce893","order_by":4,"name":"Saleh Almari","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Municipality","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Saleh","middleName":"","lastName":"Almari","suffix":""},{"id":507420751,"identity":"228f1378-2458-4822-aa48-2c93ad6b8717","order_by":5,"name":"Hussen Alyahri","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Municipality","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hussen","middleName":"","lastName":"Alyahri","suffix":""},{"id":507420752,"identity":"d4ef8783-3055-432b-a166-8da6ee611b06","order_by":6,"name":"Abdulaziz Alziarh","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Municipality","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abdulaziz","middleName":"","lastName":"Alziarh","suffix":""},{"id":507420753,"identity":"d1bea462-e2b5-41a8-8a0c-adeda047bb09","order_by":7,"name":"John Lee Holmes","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Qatar University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"John","middleName":"Lee","lastName":"Holmes","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-06-30 20:38:06","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7013999/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7013999/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":90385093,"identity":"bd0dd902-e259-4f00-a00d-3da4589f4684","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-02 07:19:12","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":30574,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSee image above for figure legend.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7013999/v1/44b27637e979e81c4e41d1eb.png"},{"id":90384636,"identity":"e8fe3c50-cc53-4df5-beff-28eb39024fe1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-02 07:11:09","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":19427,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage of Body Condition Score, Roaming Dogs Qatar Study 2024.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7013999/v1/3800d47e4faea8efd07121a5.png"},{"id":91310567,"identity":"d4fc7a77-679b-4394-98a2-dd4c85f111c5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-15 07:17:33","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":753904,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7013999/v1/353c85da-524e-4be3-92ae-bd9b1bb699b2.pdf"},{"id":90385092,"identity":"1bb43e4c-f32b-42f3-909e-4e328dfda937","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-02 07:19:09","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":162339,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Annex1.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7013999/v1/b293a61f5e213d51b69e8e4a.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Rabies Surveillance and Dog Population Management: Insights from a Survey of Roaming Dogs in Qatar 2024","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eRabies (RABV) is a fatal zoonotic disease and a significant global public health concern. Ranked among the most lethal infectious diseases \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, it is a viral encephalitis caused by viruses of the genus LYSSAVIRUS within the RHABDOYIRIDAE\u003cem\u003eae\u003c/em\u003e family. Rabies can infect all mammals, including humans, and is responsible for at least 59,000 human rabies-related deaths annually worldwide, though the true burden is likely higher due to diagnostic challenges, particularly in rabies-endemic regions \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Rabies not only poses a human health risk but also affects livestock populations, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, in regions such as South America \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Lyssaviruses are transmitted through saliva, making it the preferred sample for studying viral shedding \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince no effective treatment exists once neurological symptoms appear, rabies has a near 100% case-fatality rate, making it the deadliest zoonotic disease in the world. Canine-mediated rabies accounts for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, particularly in Asia and Africa, where an estimated 99% of human rabies cases are linked to canine transmission \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, in North America, parts of Western Europe, and Australia—where transmission by dogs is largely controlled—bats and other wildlife species serve as the primary reservoirs \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, in many developing nations, especially in Africa and Asia, dogs continue to be the predominant RABV reservoir \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. After India, China reports the highest annual incidence of human rabies cases, with dogs playing a pivotal role in transmission, driven by socioeconomic and climate factors \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Areas with inadequate waste management, such as poorly maintained or substandard landfills and slaughterhouses, provide a stable food source for roaming dogs, increasing their population density and elevating RABV transmission rates\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Additionally, climatic conditions influence rabies epidemiology, with higher temperatures positively correlated with increased rabies incidence, while greater precipitation is associated with lower transmission rates\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe RABV virus, along with other lyssaviruses, is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA (-ssRNA) virus. These RNA viruses exhibit high mutation rates and rapid evolutionary changes through natural selection and recombination, enabling them to adapt efficiently to new hosts and cellular environments. Given these evolutionary dynamics, controlling rabies transmission requires sustained surveillance and proactive intervention strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDog-mediated rabies transmission is influenced by multiple factors, including dog population density, shared national borders, poverty levels, and infrastructure, including road density\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Asia accounts for approximately 59% of global rabies deaths, followed by Africa at 36% \u003csup\u003e33,35\u003c/sup\u003e. While dog population density plays a role, other research has emphasized that the mere presence of dogs—regardless of their density—can be a primary factor in transmission. Furthermore, the geography of a given area may enable or constrain virus diffusion \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In countries with poor monitoring and diagnostic capacity, responses to suspected rabies outbreaks have often relied on mass culling of dogs. However, such reactive strategies have been found to be largely ineffective \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStreet dogs are generally not classified as purebred breeds. Instead, they fall into two broad categories: mixed-breed dogs and unbred landraces, such as the Indian pariah dog (Pal, 2001). A landrace is a domesticated, locally adapted canine variety that has adapted over generations to both its natural and cultural environments, such as agriculture and pastoralism, and in isolation from other populations of the species\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. As a result, landrace populations often exhibit distinct physical and behavioral traits shaped by their respective ecosystems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining characteristic of a stray dog is the absence of ownership, rather than any specific physical trait such as size, coat type, or color (Wildlife Education and Directory of Wildlife Experts, 2020). Regardless of ownership status, canines exhibit significant morphological variation, influenced by breed, lineage, and environmental conditions. They may have elongated or flat faces, floppy or upright ears, compact or lanky bodies, and tails that are fluffy, curled, or absent altogether. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003eclassified dog breeds based on size, categorizing them as follows: toy and miniature (e.g., Chihuahuas, Pomeranians), medium-sized (e.g., terriers, spaniels), large (e.g., retrievers, shepherds, setters), and giant breeds (e.g., mastiffs, Komondors, Saint Bernards). This spectrum spans a weight range from 5 to 250 pounds (2.3 to 114 kilograms), with the heaviest dog ever recorded being an Old English Mastiff, weighing 314 pounds (142 kilograms).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarger breeds are uncommon in Qatar. To better reflect the local dog population, SESRI consulted veterinary and animal research experts from the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment to develop a regionally relevant weight classification:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmall: up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium: 23 to 55 pounds (11 to 25 kilograms).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarge: 56 to 99 pounds (26 to 45 kilograms).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eGiant: 100 pounds (46 kilograms) or more.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis classification accounts for potential differences due to health status. For example, an overweight dog may exceed the typical weight range but does not necessarily belong to a larger breed category. Within breeds, size variability exists, with males generally larger than females. Mixed-breed dogs also encompass a broad range of sizes due to diverse genetic influences. A prevalent breed type in Qatar is known as the “Local” dog (“Mahali” in Arabic), a regional variety of the pariah dog lineage found in South Asia. These medium-sized dogs have inhabited the Middle East for centuries, naturally adapting to the region’s extreme temperatures through natural selection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeyond ownership status, a dog’s physical condition often serves as the primary indicator of whether it is a stray or a pet. Stray and roaming dogs often appear emaciated, with prominent bones or a swollen midsection, typically caused by parasitic infections rather than adequate nutrition. Their coats are often unkempt and dirty. Long-haired dogs or those with thick undercoats may develop severe matting, leading to secondary health problems. Certain breeds may also exhibit noticeable eye or nasal discharge, and overgrown nails may curl into the paw pads, causing discomfort. In summary, signs of neglect and environmental exposure are key indicators of a stray or roaming dog. These characteristics, combined with the type of locations where they are observed, serve as the primary means of identifying them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eObjectives of the Study\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe primary study aim is to estimate the size of the roaming dog population; however, this paper focuses on the following objectives:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRabies Testing: Assess the prevalence of rabies in roaming dog populations using field-based portable laboratory devices.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealth Assessment: Evaluate the overall health and welfare of roaming dogs based on physical indicators such as body size, behavior, and appetite.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisease Surveillance: Monitor for the presence of other zoonotic diseases, such as leishmaniasis, in addition to rabies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDemographic Analysis: Examine the distribution of sex and age within the roaming dog population.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eInforming Policy and Public Health Interventions: Use findings to support public health policies and animal welfare strategies in Qatar.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methodology and Materials","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted with the permission of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Qatar University (QU-IACUC) and was approved under Ethics Commission No. (QU-IACUC 010/2024). The Institutional Review Board (IRB) also approved the sedation protocol for aggressive dogs, which was applied in the study. Veterinarians participating in the study were certified by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program). As a safety measure, study personnel were vaccinated against rabies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe confirm that all methods described in this study were performed in accordance with the relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and regulations. Additionally, the study design, animal handling, and reporting were conducted in compliance with the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines to ensure transparency, rigor, and reproducibility in animal research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dogs within the sampled areas were captured irrespective of temperament or disposition. A specialized veterinarian evaluated each captured dog based on its behavior, and the results indicated that approximately 11% of the dogs exhibited aggressive behavior, while most dogs were calm, with many displaying friendly behavior. Dogs were captured using nets and cages and then marked with identification tags. In cases of severe aggression, sedation was administered following the approved protocol before handling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo assess body condition, the Purina Body Condition Score Chart, a 9-point system, was used to evaluate canine health. Following rabies testing, all dogs were vaccinated and safely released back into their environment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSampling\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe State of Qatar is administratively divided into eight municipalities, which are further subdivided into 98 zones. These zones are geographically structured according to a housing sample frame, consisting of 4,497 blocks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research team conducted an exploratory survey of roaming dogs across all geographic zones of Qatar. The survey aimed to update the mapping of roaming dog populations and collect a representative sample from all zones. In total, this survey covered 4,497 census blocks across eight municipalities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the exploration phase, a random sample of 419 geographical blocks was selected see attached (1) selected area map. Table (1) presents the distribution of these sampled blocks across various municipalities. The sample predominantly covers Doha and Al Rayyan, which together account for nearly 68% of the surveyed blocks. This distribution aligns with Qatar\u0026rsquo;s housing density, as the majority of residential units are located in these two municipalities. The remaining municipalities contribute smaller, yet proportionate, shares to the overall sample. See Map No. 1 \u0026ndash; Annex 1 shows the geographical areas selected as part of the sample.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNumber of Sample Blocks according to Municipality\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMunicipality\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNumber of Blocks\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDoha\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e183\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAl Rayyan\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAl Wakrah\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUmm Sala\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAl Daayen\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAl Kour and Al Dhakhira\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAl Shamal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAl Sheehaniya\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e419\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData was collected from October to November 2024. Field teams were deployed across municipalities and zones in Qatar according to the probability sample. A total of 22 teams participated in the study, including those responsible for rescuing unhealthy or injured dogs for treatment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach team consisted of a veterinarian, three laborers responsible for capturing dogs, and a data entry specialist. All teams were trained in research-based handling techniques to ensure both worker safety and the welfare of the dogs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data entry specialist used a mobile application to record laboratory test results, document each dog\u0026rsquo;s characteristics, and log its capture location using the Global Positioning System (GPS). A customized field tool was developed specifically for this study to record detailed descriptions, characteristics, and images of dogs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiological Sample Collection and Diagnostic Techniques\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diagnostic protocol included a Rabies Antigen Rapid Test for all sampled dogs. Had any dog tested positive, a chromatographic immunoassay (Rabies Ag Canine Test Kit, Bionote, Korea) would have been conducted following the manufacturer\u0026apos;s instructions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Had any positive results been found, they would have been confirmed using the gold standard test, the direct fluorescent antibody test and brain sample collection, in accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Manual (2018, Chap.\u0026nbsp;2.1.17).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoaming dogs, particularly those exhibiting nervous or aggressive behavior, were captured using live traps or catch poles. Sedation was administered intramuscularly (I.M.) at a dosage of 5\u0026ndash;30 \u0026micro;g/kg using Medetomidine Hydrochloride (1 mg/ml) (Ilium Medetomidine, Troy, Australia), as described in \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Management\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFigure (1) shows that the Municipality of Doha had the highest percentage of dogs examined for rabies (48.4%) and the largest proportion of the study sample blocks (43.7%). Al Rayyan had the second-highest proportion, with 22.7% of dogs examined for rabies while accounting for 24.1% of the study sample blocks.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eT\u003c/strong\u003ehe other municipalities had smaller shares in both rabies examinations and the distribution of study blocks. Overall, all municipalities and zones were represented in the study sample.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDogs Characteristics\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2: Roaming dog characteristics\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDog Characteristics\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategories\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreq\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercent\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e767\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e566\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePuppy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e449\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdolescent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e344\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdult\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e540\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDog Size\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e332\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedium\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e571\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLarge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e430\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDog behavior\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAggressive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e153\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrightened\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e386\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFriendly with good appetite\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e742\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnxious\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBreed type\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrossing breed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e979\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e209\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSloughi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCanaan\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGerman Shepherd\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1,333\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data allow for an analysis of roaming dogs based on their characteristics, including sex, age, size, breed, and observed behavior. Table 1 presents the descriptive statistics for the total number of 1,333 dogs examined, including 767 male dogs (57.5%) and 566 female dogs (42.5%). A plurality of the sampled roaming dogs were adults (40.5%), followed by puppies (33.7%), while adolescents comprised 25.8% of the sample. The majority of roaming dogs were categorized as friendly with good appetite (55.6%), followed by frightened dogs (28.9%). A smaller proportion exhibited aggressive behavior (11.4%) or anxious behavior (3.5%), while five dogs (0.37%) whose behavior could not be characterized were placed into the \u0026ldquo;Other\u0026rdquo; category.\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;Table 1 also summarizes the size distribution of the sampled dogs. Medium-sized dogs were the most common (42.8%), followed by large dogs (32.2%), while small dogs made up 24.8% of the sample. The \u0026quot;Crossing breed\u0026quot; represented the majority at 73.4%, followed by local breeds at 15.6%. Other specific breeds included Sloughi (2.4%), Canaan (3.8%), and German Shepherd (0.8%), with \u0026quot;Other\u0026quot; breeds comprising 3.8%. Finally, the majority of sampled roaming dogs were classified within body condition scores of 3 (28.04%) and 4 (26.39%), indicating that most dogs fell into mid-range body condition categories (Figure 2).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRabies Test Results\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;During the study, all 1,333 sampled stray dogs were tested for rabies infection using the Rabies Antigen Rapid Test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All samples collected from these dogs tested negative for rabies. These results indicate that rabies was not detected in this representative sample during the study period.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study underscores the ongoing and effective management of stray dog populations in Qatar. These findings align with this study\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, who include Qatar alongside Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as exceptions to the general regional trend of rabies presence. Nevertheless, findings from other studies in the region highlight the need for continued vigilance given how rapidly the disease can spread if not properly monitored. The roaming dog population in Qatar\u0026mdash;categorized by sex, age, size, and breed\u0026mdash;largely aligns with findings from other studies, which report a higher number of males than females, a greater prevalence of mixed breeds, and most dogs being in good health based on size. These factors are largely attributed to the availability of shelter and food, particularly in the industrial area of Doha Municipality. Additionally, they reflect centuries of adaptation and the intelligence of the species. Stray dogs and cats have been shown to obtain sufficient food even in poorly managed urban environments, contributing to population growth. Street dogs display a marked preference for proteins over carbohydrates when foraging (Bhattarai et al., 2021), with vaccination campaigns potentially influenced by canine nutrition and infrastructure capacity\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Overall, male dogs tend to exhibit higher survival rates than females. In an older study from the Zaghouan Governorate in Tunisia, the prevalence of male dogs was much higher than in this study, with a sex ratio of approximately 2.75 males per female\u0026mdash;more than twice the ratio found in Qatar (1.35:1) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile the results from Qatar suggest either a low prevalence or an absence of rabies during the study period, studies from elsewhere in the region indicate that rabies remains a serious concern. For instance, Darkaoui et al. (2017) documented over a century of efforts to combat rabies in Morocco, yet in 2015, the country still officially recorded 248 cases, confirming 82% of them. Similarly, confirmed 37% of 91 suspected cases in Saudi Arabia, while a study in Yemen (Al-Shamahy et al., 2013) found that 63% of 180 suspected animal brain samples tested positive for rabies. In Oman, \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003efound that 54% of 64 animal samples tested positive for rabies between 2017 and 2019, though the majority of cases were not from canines. Notably, these studies primarily involved retrospective testing of suspected cases rather than random samples, which limits direct comparability. Nevertheless, they support the conclusion of \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e that rabies remains endemic in the region, including in countries of the Arabian Peninsula, with stray dogs consistently identified as a major reservoir for the virus. Given the persistent public health challenge posed by rabies in free-roaming dog populations across the region, comprehensive rabies control programs\u0026mdash;including mass dog vaccination, public awareness campaigns, and effective management of stray dog populations\u0026mdash;remain crucial, along with continuous monitoring \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. A vaccination target of 70% of canines has frequently been cited as the benchmark for cost-effective and sustained control\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough no rabies cases were found among the sampled roaming dogs in Qatar during this study, the risk of rabies introduction underscores the need for sustained vigilance, as a single rabid dog could alter the epidemiological landscape. Indeed, in both 2018 and 2019, Qatar documented cases of workers diagnosed with RABV contracted in Nepal\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Sustained surveillance programs serve as an integral component of long-term rabies control and prevention strategies. Such measures offer a proactive approach in contrast to reactive strategies that rely on testing suspected cases only after an outbreak has occurred. Furthermore, concurrent efforts to promote animal welfare and public health, including mass vaccination campaigns, will reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks. Ethical and sustainable population management methods, backed by legislative and policy support, can further strengthen these efforts. As exemplified by the well-known Prophetic teaching, \u0026ldquo;Tie your camel and trust in Allah,\u0026rdquo; prudent preparation goes hand in hand with faith, mirroring the Western adage that \u0026ldquo;an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn addition to indicating that Qatar likely has no active rabies cases among its roaming dog population, this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics and behaviors of these dogs in the surveyed areas. The key findings are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRabies (and Leishmaniasis) testing:\u003c/strong\u003e All 1,333 roaming dogs sampled across the State of Qatar tested negative for rabies, and no cases of leishmaniasis were detected. These results suggest that disease control measures are effective and that Qatar is likely free of these infections.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation Demographics:\u003c/strong\u003e Male and adult dogs are more prevalent among roaming populations, reflecting behavioral and environmental influences on their movement patterns and survival rates.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreed and Size Distribution:\u003c/strong\u003e Medium-sized and local or mixed-breed dogs constitute the majority of the population, highlighting the need for welfare programs and management strategies tailored to these groups.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavioral traits:\u003c/strong\u003e Most roaming dogs display friendly behavior, an important consideration for shaping approaches to community-based care initiatives.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Condition Scores:\u003c/strong\u003e The majority of dogs exhibit moderate body condition, with relatively few in severe states. This finding reinforces the importance of environmental and dietary factors in supporting canine health.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdaptability and Resilience:\u003c/strong\u003e Roaming dogs demonstrate diverse characteristics and strong survival skills, highlighting the importance of flexibility in addressing individual needs when implementing management or rescue programs.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings from this study underscore the need for targeted interventions, breed-specific programs, and ongoing research to understand better the factors shaping roaming dog populations, improve animal welfare, and safeguard public health. Integrated management programs, including mass vaccination, continuous monitoring, and community engagement, should be maintained and strengthened to sustain Qatar\u0026rsquo;s rabies-free status and reduce zoonotic risks more broadly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eElmogiera Elawad, Muzzamil Atta and Mahmoud Mohamed wrote the main manuscript text Mohamed Agied wrote tables and figures Saleh Almari, Hussen Alyahri, Abdulaziz Alziarh logestics John Holmes revised manuscript\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding declaration:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that funding provided by Qatar University. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll Data Included in Article: \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAl-Shamahy, H. 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(2018). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.woah.org\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.woah.org\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. updated 2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Dog population, Rabies, Qatar and roaming dogs","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7013999/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7013999/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2024, a total of 1,333 roaming dogs were sampled across Qatar to estimate their population size and test for rabies. Surveyed areas were randomly selected to ensure representation across all municipalities and zones, encompassing 419 of 4,000 total blocks. A portable laboratory device analyzed biological samples directly in the field. The results showed that all tested dogs were free of rabies, with male and adult dogs being more prevalent. Most sampled dogs were in relatively good health, exhibited friendly behavior, and had strong appetites. This study prioritized animal welfare by vaccinating all examined dogs against rabies, following protocols approved by Qatar University\u0026rsquo;s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The absence of rabies suggests the effectiveness of disease control measures, with significant implications for public health and policy-making. These findings support a high level of confidence that the prevalence of these diseases within Qatar\u0026rsquo;s canine population is low or nonexistent. The results underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to sustain Qatar\u0026rsquo;s rabies-free status and highlight the need for sustainable population management of roaming dogs to minimize zoonotic risks, thereby enhancing public health and safety.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Rabies Surveillance and Dog Population Management: Insights from a Survey of Roaming Dogs in Qatar 2024","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-02 07:11:04","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7013999/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"15be323e-663b-46ac-9c12-bcdf9ff6133d","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 2nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":53899463,"name":"Health sciences/Diseases"},{"id":53899464,"name":"Health sciences/Health care"},{"id":53899465,"name":"Health sciences/Medical research"},{"id":53899466,"name":"Biological sciences/Microbiology"},{"id":53899467,"name":"Biological sciences/Zoology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-09-15T07:09:26+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-02 07:11:04","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7013999","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7013999","identity":"rs-7013999","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}