Experience with Dog Sterilization Campaigns for Surveillance of Zoonotic Diseases in Ecuador: Building Bridges with Animal Organizations to Improve One Health Research.

Abstract

The extensive population of free-roaming dogs poses significant public health risks in low- and middle-income countries because of their potential role in spreading infectious and zoonotic diseases. This article discusses the successful collaboration between academia and nonprofit animal welfare organizations in Ecuador to enhance One Health surveillance despite limited research resources. This collaborative model could serve as a valuable example for other countries in the Americas and globally, where community-based strategies may improve One Health policies.