EVALUATION OF A CAPTURE-NEUTER-VACCINATE-RELEASE (CNVR) PROGRAM: INTERVENTION TO CONTROL THE DOG POPULATION AND RABIES IN BHUTAN

Abstract

Dog population survey was undertaken in the months of January and February 2012 in the main towns of six selected districts to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and progress of the CNVR programme in Bhutan. The field survey included counting male and female dogs with and without ear notches, lactating females and puppies. The study also assessed the body and skin condition of the neutered and un-neutered free-roaming dogs. The population survey in the field indicated an overall CNVR coverage of 52% ranging from 32% in Bumthang to 72% in Samdrup Jongkhar. Approximately 8% of the adult females were seen lactating and 11% of the dogs were puppies in the survey areas. The body condition of neutered dogs was found significantly better than entire dogs with 36% of un-notched dogs being categorised as thin to very thin, compared with 26% of notched dogs. There was no significant difference in the proportion of dogs with skin problems in the notched (19%) and un-notched dogs (23%). Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to carry out further rounds of CNVR campaigns, and institute continuous follow-up programmes in all districts targeting females, and extending the CNVR campaign to adjoining Indian towns to improve animal welfare and to effectively control rabies. The indicator count should be repeated along the fixed routes at least twice a year after the six weeks period of the peak whelping seasons i.e., July and January to continuously monitor the CNVR programme.