Dog researchers from around the world came to York to share their findings at the First International Conference on Dog Population Management.

I recently experienced three glorious days of “dog populations around the world” while in York, United Kingdom for the First International Conference on Dog Population Management. Clearly, I’m not alone in my fascination with dogs, particularly when they may pose a public health and/or conservation concern, as there was a whole conference organized to share thoughts and current research about this!

Many dogs around the world do not enjoy the pampered lifestyle of most Chicago dogs. Dogs across Africa, Asia, Indonesia, South America, Australia and parts of Europe are working dogs and may not have access to regular veterinary care. This can result in dogs transmitting devastating diseases such as rabies to people and/or wildlife.

Anna was able to share her research with peers from around the globe.

I was very lucky to be selected to present my work with free-roaming domestic dogs in Tanzania, comparing dog population dynamics in villages with and without a dog rabies-vaccination program. It was great to share my research and compare study methods with people working around the world, and I think I’ve made several new friends for years to come.

PS: It was also a nice opportunity to enjoy plenty of fish and chips and chocolate!

Anna Czupryna

A research associate in the zoo’s Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Anna Czupryna studies domestic dog population dynamics near Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Her work is one part of a zoo-led vaccination campaign that protects the region’s people, pets and predators.

Follow Anna’s field updates on Twitter.