AUTHOR=Gonzaga Mariana da Costa , Borges José Renato Junqueira , Alves Teresa Souza , Sousa Davi Emanuel Ribeiro de , Castro Márcio Botelho de , Câmara Antonio Carlos Lopes 

TITLE=Domestic dog attacks on livestock referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1342258

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2024.1342258

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=Losses and the economic impact of dog attacks (DAs) on livestock are often overlooked and include factors such as decreased production, expenses for treatment and handling, and death of injured animals. This study evaluated the epidemiology, therapeutic, and pathological findings of DAs in livestock over an 11-year survey in the records of farm animals referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Livestock attacked by dogs included 31 sheep, 11 horses, three cattle, three goats, and two pigs, totaling 50 animals. Anatomical locations injured by dog bites were identified as head/neck, thoracic/pelvic limbs, abdomen/flank, rump/tail, and multiple affected regions (two or more bite sites). Additionally, the severity of the injuries was classified in four degrees adapted from the classification of dog bite injuries in children. Most livestock presented Grade 1 (26%) and 2 (28%) injuries, while Grade 3 and Grade 4 injuries were observed in 46% of DAs. Thirty-five animals (70%) were discharged, nine (18%) died, and six (12%) were humanely euthanized. DAs may represent a significant cause for referring livestock species to clinical care, severe injuries, and a considerable number of deaths. We are providing information on DAs in livestock for the first time in Midwestern Brazil.