Common diseases in rescued dogs and cats from Maceió subsidence areas

Abstract

The subsidence that occurred in Maceió-AL, resulting from the exploitation of rock salt, led to the abandonment of many animals, increasing their vulnerability to diseases and impacting animal welfare. This study analyzed the prevalence of diseases in dogs and cats rescued by the Integra animal project between March 2021 and December 2024, examining the origin of the disease, the affected system, and the type of affliction. A total of 6134 cases were recorded, of which 5468 (89.1%) involved stray animals. Infectious diseases were the most common, affecting 43.9% of cats and 34.3% of dogs, with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline respiratory Complex predominant in cats, and ehrlichiosis in dogs. Adult animals had 2.88 times higher odds of disease than juveniles, rising to 4.25 times in seniors. Stray animals had 1.35 times higher odds than owned animals, and cats had 1.62 times higher odds than dogs. Senior dogs with owners showed higher prevalence of neoplasms (29.3%) and inflammatory conditions (24.1%), while dermatological issues, particularly ectoparasite infestations and skin infections, were common in both species. The results highlight the need for strategies in sanitary control, vaccination, and responsible pet ownership programs, as well as the inclusion of specific protocols for managing animals in environmental disaster situations, in order to minimize the impacts on animal and public health.