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

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.