UNT Student Perception of Feral Cats and Their Effects on Wildlife > April 2012 Ethnobiology Conference

The Society of Ethnobiology Annual Conference will be held at the Denver Botanic Gardens from April 11–14, 2012:

"A nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the relationships of plants and animals with human cultures worldwide."

Student Perception of Feral Cats and Their Effects on Campus Wildlife
Author(s): DOMBROSKY, Jonathan - Department of Anthropology, University of North Texas, and Stacey ANTILLA - Institute of Applied Science, Environmental Science, University of North Texas

Conference Abstract:
Feral cat populations are commonly controlled by Trap-Neuter-Return programs in the United States. The TNR program at the University of North Texas is maintained by the Feral Cat Rescue Group (FCRG). TNR programs are potentially controversial because though they offer a humane response for controlling cat populations, those same populations are of conservation concern. Feral cats are highly efficient predators of native wildlife, such as small birds and mammals. This project uses ethnoscience methods to assess student knowledge and perceptions of the UNT TNR program as well as conservation issues related to feral cat release.
[end]

Canada animal shelter statistics

Canada national animal shelter statistics from Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS)
download pdf

"Statistics were collected from 2010 shelter data. Results were received from 90 organizations. This represents about a 53% response rate from SPCAs and humane societies."
FC Blog Note: as below no municipal shelters were included?


Comparison of shelter statistics, 1993-2008 for Canada

"These results are from a semi-annual survey of Canadian humane societies and SPCAs in Canada. The number of respondents varied by year; it was often roughly 60% of those surveyed. While the CFHS tried to contact all humane societies and SPCAs that we know of in Canada (over 200), we cannot guarantee that some weren’t missed in these surveys."

"It should also be noted that these surveys did not include municipally-run animal shelters (or “pounds”), which collectively take in at least as many stray animals in Canada as do the humane society & SPCA shelters captured in this survey. Therefore, the number of abandoned, abused, and stray pets entering animal shelters is much higher than what is shown in our survey results."


2010 National Urban Animal Report for Canada
from PetLynx Urban Animal Reports


The Business of Urban Animals Survey: The facts and statistics on companion animals in Canada
Terri Perrin
Can Vet J. 2009 January; 50(1): 48–52.
PMCID: PMC2603652

Abstract
At the first Banff Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (BSUAS) in 2006, delegates clearly indicated that a lack of reliable Canadian statistics hampers municipal leaders and legislators in their efforts to develop urban animal strategies that create and sustain a healthy community for pets and people. To gain a better understanding of the situation, BSUAS municipal delegates and other industry stakeholders partnered with Ipsos Reid, one of the world’s leading polling firms, to conduct a national survey on the “Business of Urban Animals.” The results of the survey, summarized in this article, were presented at the BSUAS meeting in October 2008. In addition, each participating community will receive a comprehensive written analysis, as well as a customized report. The online survey was conducted from September 22 to October 1, 2008. There were 7208 participants, including 3973 pet and 3235 non-pet owners from the Ipsos-Reid’s proprietary Canadian online panel. The national results were weighted to reflect the true population distribution across Canada and the panel was balanced on all major demographics to mirror Statistics Canada census information. The margin for error for the national results is 1/− 1.15%.

The CVMA and the author thank PetLynx Inc., for hosting the Banff Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Banff, Alberta. We also thank the organizations that helped sponsor this event: CDMV Inc., Iams, Petsecure, Pet Smart Charities, and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada. CVJ


Can Vet J. 2011 January; 52(1): 55–61.
PMCID: PMC3003577
Survey of euthanasia practices in animal shelters in Canada
Niamh Caffrey, Aboubakar Mounchili, Sandra McConkey, and Michael S. Cockram
Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (Caffrey, Cockram), Department of Health Management (Mounchili), and Department of Biomedical Sciences (McConkey), Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3
Address all correspondence to Dr. Michael S. Cockram; e-mail: mcockram @ upei.ca
Ms. Caffrey completed this project as part of her MSc studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Author information ► Copyright and License information ►
Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract
Questionnaires on methods of euthanasia used in Canadian animal shelters were sent to 196 Canadian animal shelters yielding 67 responses. Sodium pentobarbital injection was the only method of euthanasia used by 61% of establishments that euthanized dogs and 53% of the establishments that euthanized cats. Many of these establishments used pre-medication. Sodium pentobarbital was mostly administered intravenously but some establishments also used intracardiac and intraperitoneal routes, and some only used intracardiac administration for cats. T-61 injection was the only method of euthanasia used by 23% of the establishments that euthanized dogs and 35% of the establishments that euthanized cats. All of these establishments used pre-medication, but the percentages of establishments that only used the intravenous route for administration of T-61 in dogs and cats were 45% and 7%, respectively. Further studies on the use of T-61, and the training and provision of counselling services for staff are recommended.

Statewide animal shelter statistics

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For questions about animal shelter statistics and to let me know how you are using this info, email animalresources@aol.com .

U.S. Statewide animal shelter statistics
Keywords: animal shelter intake and disposition statistics, animal shelter euthanasia statistics, animal shelter killing statistics, animal shelter statistics by state, animal shelter entry and disposition statistics, animal shelter impound and disposition statistics, homeless animal statistics, shelter pet statistics,
Canada animal shelter statistics, U.K. animal shelter statistics

AnimalResources has compiled and shared animal shelter statistics since 2001. From my files, here are some sources for statewide animal shelter statistics, and related info. You must carefully read each source’s statement about limitations of data. This post is a work in progress, pulling info out of my files and checking online for updated info.

All animal shelters, public and private in every state, should be required to report. In recent years, individual animal shelters have started to gather or report or post statistics online, prodded or incentivized by various pressures.

For individual shelters in your state, check on their websites or ask them. For statewide reports, check animal groups identifying themselves as statewide including some spay/neuter or no-kill orgs and a few state humane federations, welfare alliances or state animal control associations. Some statewide no-kill or animal protection groups are in the process of compiling statewide data. Related animal shelter statistic info can sometimes be gleaned from state spay/neuter programs. See also my Neuter/Spay Nationwide webpage under Statewide Spay/Neuter Directories.

Animal People News has posted annual shelter killing reports for years, usually in the July/August issue; totals only (not individual shelters) -- by region, some states, and some city or county. [Addendum July 23, 2012: Annual Shelter Killing Statistics 2012
State totals this year included: CA, DE, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NV, UT, VA
Addendum, links added when available online: US animal shelter toll appears to drop below three million
Fewer animals killed but pit bulls chihuahuas crowd shelters
Cat dog shelter killing balance

Several years ago Maddie’s Fund began granting monies to shelters for statistic-gathering and in July 2011 Maddies placed online a comparative database of some shelter data around the nation (for years 2008-2009;) these shelters use the controversial Asilomar Accords method.
November 5, 2012: Maddie's added year 2010 data from selected shelters.

Since 2001 AnimalResources has tracked "statewide" and national animal programs, campaigns, initiatives, reports, resources and information including spay/neuter, population control, legislation, no-kill, Trap-Neuter-Return, etc.


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To date, some info on following states: (I'll add jumps when I can, use your Edit/Find function with keyword)
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio - updated 10/22/2012
Oregon
Rhode Island - (rabbits)
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Washington state
Canada animal shelter statistics
U.K. animal shelter statistics


CALIFORNIA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Local Rabies Control Activities (LRCA)
[excerpt]
This information is used to assist in evaluation and planning of local rabies control programs. Caution should be used when analyzing the LRCA report tables since local health jurisdiction data represent aggregated reports from multiple municipal agencies, some data is missing, the population demographics varies by jurisdiction, and the number of animals within a jurisdiction is unknown. The reported data does not include statistics from private shelters since these facilities are not required to report under the state regulations.
[end excerpt]

download pdf: LRCA 2011 Report

download pdf: LRCA 2010 Report


COLORADO ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Colorado Pet Animal Care Facilities Program

download pdf:
PACFA 2010 Annual Report

Animal Assistance Foundation - Data Collection
[excerpt]
Two Data Task Forces were convened at the end of 2008 for input and review of the foudnation's analysis of Colorado animal shelter statistics.
[end excerpt]
You can download: First Data Task Force, Second Data Task Force

Trends in intake and outcome data for animal shelters in Colorado, 2000 to 2007
Morris KN, Wolf JL, Gies DL. - February 2011


CONNECTICUT ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Connecticut Animal Population Control Program
includes various sterilization programs: Municipal Pound Pet Program, Feral Cat Grant Program, Low Income Program, Caring for Pets License Plates

download pdf:
Connecticut Animal Population Control 2010 Annual Report
Does not include shelter statistics

Connecticut DOAG APCP Releases FY 2011 Feral Cat Sterilization Report

Connecticut - 1990 to 2007 shelter statistics

Tails Connecticut - some statistics info


DELAWARE ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Delaware has only three counties: Kent, New Castle and Sussex. As of July 2010, animal shelters in Delaware are required to report animal shelter statistics online quarterly.

Delaware TITLE 3 > Agriculture > Domestic and Foreign Animals, Birds, Reptiles and Insects > CHAPTER 80. ANIMALS HELD IN SHELTER

Delaware TITLE 3 > Agriculture > Domestic and Foreign Animals, Birds, Reptiles and Insects > CHAPTER 82. RABIES CONTROL IN ANIMAL AND HUMAN POPULATIONS > Subchapter II. Animal Population Control Program and Spay/Neuter Fund

Governor Signs into Law Animal Shelters Standards
Standards Protect Animals, Promote Pet Adoptions, Reduce Euthanasia

New Castle County:
Delaware Humane - animal shelter statistics

Delaware SPCA
Hover over About Us, then Statistics on drop down menu
Delaware SPCA apparently also has an outlet in Sussex County.

Faithful Friends > quarterly statistics

Kent County:
Kent County SPCA - Shelter Statistics > Admissions and Dispositions
Kent County SPCA - Shelter Statistics > Rescue Registry

Sussex County:
Safe Haven Sanctuary a No Kill Shelter is under construction. As of February 2012, several board members resigned to start Citizens to Save Safe Haven


FLORIDA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

April 2013: see Florida Animal Shelter Statistics - Transparency Act 2013


GEORGIA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare - Survey of Animal Services in Georgia, September 2009


HAWAII ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS


ILLINOIS ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Illinois animal shelters must report shelter intake and euthanasia statistics to the Department of Agriculture - request these from the Illinois DOA.
(510 ILCS 5/) Animal Control Act
List of Licensed Illinois Animal Shelters


LOUISIANA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

The Maddie's Fund Shelter Statistics database provides total statistics for Louisiana, as a composite; individual shelter numbers are not posted.


MAINE ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

The Maine Federation of Humane Societies does a shelter statistics survey each year - not available to the public at this time.

Addendum: The state of Maine Animal Welfare program 2011 Shelter Survey
Addendum: Maine Animal Welfare 2012 Shelter Survey added to above page.


MARYLAND ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS


MASSACHUSETTS ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Shelter statistics are being compiled by Massachusetts Animal Coalition.

Quantifying the Shelter Rabbit Population: An Analysis of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Animal Shelters
AJ Cook, E McCobb - Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2012 - Taylor & Francis


MICHIGAN ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
* reports for various years (link for 2010 below)
[Blog Post Addendum April 30, 2012: scroll down for 2011 statistics which recently were posted]
* also scroll down to Animal Welfare Fund competitive grants

download pdf:
2010 Michigan Animal Shelter Survey Results

download pdf:
2010 Individual Michigan Animal Shelter Reports

Michigan Pet Fund Alliance
download pdf: Michigan Pet Fund - Save Rate Report


MISSISSIPPI ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

The Maddie's Fund Shelter Statistics database provides total statistics for Mississippi, as a composite; individual shelter numbers are not posted.


NEVADA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS


NEW HAMPSHIRE ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

I last obtained these directly, they were not online. The statistics were for 3 years ending in 2007. Current statistics are being compiled.


NEW JERSEY ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

New Jersey Department of Health > Animal Welfare
Information about the Animal Population Control program and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program

download pdf:
New Jersey Animal Intake and Disposition Survey 2010


NEW MEXICO ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

In 2011, New Mexico animal shelters took in 118,000+ animals and euthanized 55,000+.
December 2011 survey by New Mexico Animal Advisory Board includes 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 intake and euthanasia statistics. See Exhibit 2, Page 1 for individual shelter numbers.
[The 27] "shelters responding to the survey cover roughly 98% 4 of New Mexico’s population and should give a fairly accurate picture of the state’s shelter intake, euthanasia and funding."
[As always, read the entire including caution notes.]
download pdf:
FEASIBILITY STUDY: Creating a Fund to Aid Low-Income Households in Sterilizing, Vaccinating and Spaying or Neutering their Companion Animals
January 24, 2012
Prepared in Response to Senate Memorial 36, 2011 Regular Legislative Session
By Helga Schimkat
For the New Mexico Animal Sheltering Board and Regulation and Licensing Department

download pdf:
Animal Protection of New Mexico - 2008 Shelter Survey
Data covers January 2007 to December 2007.


NORTH CAROLINA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services > Veterinary Division > Animal Welfare Section
scroll down to Animal Shelter Reports
download various pdf or excel reports
the latest became available about the end of April 2012:
2011 FY Public Animal Shelter Report In pdf

North Carolina spay neuter reports

Fix NC > Crunching the NC Kill Numbers - May 2012 input

Euthanasia in North Carolina Companion Animal Shelters: Interviews with Decreased-Rate Facilities and Comparative Analysis
Katie O'Connor Sirakos, March 2011


OHIO ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS [scroll down for Oct 2012 addendum about 2011 statewide county dog warden statistics)

No current statistics in process at this time according to sources who should know.

2004 Survey of Ohio Animal Care and Control Agencies

Demographic trends for animal care and control agencies in Ohio from 1996 to 2004
Linda K. Lord, DVM, MS; Thomas E. Wittum, PhD; Amy K. Ferketich, PhD; Julie A. Funk, DVM, PhD; Paivi Rajala-Schultz, DVM, PhD; Ross M. Kauffman, BS
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, July 1, 2006, Vol. 229, No. 1, Pages 48-54

Epidemiological study of Ohio animal shelters and lost and found pet population issues
LK Lord - 2006

Attitudes toward and perceptions of free-roaming cats among individuals living in Ohio
Linda K. Lord, DVM, PhD
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, April 15, 2008, Vol. 232, No. 8, Pages 1159-1167

UPDATE: October 22, 2012
State Animal Shelter Statistics - Ohio 2011
Kill rates vary widely at Ohio dog shelters
Columbia Dispatch - October 21, 2012
[excerpts - always read the entire article. Note the described limitations of this data and cats are not included. * ]

The fate of more than 100,000 dogs impounded annually in Ohio’s county-run animal shelters depends largely on where they wind up. . . . . .
The Dispatch analysis used figures obtained from 85 of the 88 counties to review what happened to dogs impounded in county shelters statewide last year. The analysis compared the number of dogs killed with the number that left the shelter through redemption by their owners or by adoption.
The statewide average showed that 70 percent of the dogs were redeemed or adopted, and 30 percent were euthanized.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Related previous Feral Cat Blog! posts:

Ohio free-roaming cat survey - April 20, 2008

Ohio animal shelter survey - July 03, 2006


OREGON ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

These reports are not online. Last report I obtained was 2009 with state total, and I think 2007 for report with individual shelters. I just requested and received 2010 statistics; fy2011 collection will begin later.
Addendum: I obtained 2011 statistics.


RHODE ISLAND ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Quantifying the Shelter Rabbit Population: An Analysis of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Animal Shelters
AJ Cook, E McCobb - Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2012 - Taylor & Francis

TENNESSEE ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Tennessee Animal Shelter Report Released (5/19/2008)


TEXAS ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Texas used to post annual statistics: 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 are still available online:
2003 Texas DSHS Animal Control Shelter Summary

Texas Animal Friendly License Plates

No Kill Texas Advocates is one group collecting individual shelter statistics - click on County or City.


UTAH ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

The Maddie's Fund Shelter Statistics database provides total statistics for Utah, as a composite; individual shelter numbers are not posted.

Utah Pets - Jan-Nov 2011 Statewide Statistics (not individual shelters) and previous


VERMONT ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Vermont Humane Federation is compiling statistics that MAY be available in summer 2012.
Addendum: Vermont Humane 2012 Annual Report - see page 3 for 2011 limited animal shelter statistics

excerpt from Vermont Humane Federation 2009 Annual Report: [ http://vermonthumane.org/documents/2009annualreport.doc ]
In the area of statewide statistics, VHF completed its 2008 annual shelter survey, along with a 10-year compilation of data dating back to 1999. Just fewer than 6,000 animals were surrendered to reporting shelters in 2008. While 4,558 found new homes, sadly more than 900 animals had to be euthanized for a variety of reasons, including serious health and behavior issues. Vermont’s 76% adoption rate is well-above the national average, but we are still short of our ultimate goal to place every single adoptable pet into a loving home.
[end excerpt]


VIRGINIA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

Virginia DACS - Animal Shelter Statistics
Enter selections and receive reports for years up to 2012

Companion Animal* Management Survey - 2012
Myths, Facts, Challenges, and Opportunities - A look at companion animal management in fifteen counties of Central Virginia


WEST VIRGINIA ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

FOHO WV
[excerpt]
Please note that we have been compiling euthanasia data from animal shelters from 2008 to the present.
2009 WV Dog/Cat Euthanasia Shelter Statistics (55 counties with 18 counties with no data)
[end excerpt]

SNAP WV


WASHINGTON state ANIMAL SHELTER STATISTICS

The last survey I obtained was 2006. These annual surveys include number of spay/neuter surgeries.

Washington State Federation of Animal Care & Control Agencies
Shelter Survey Results
Federation members can obtain free, others can purchase survey.


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Cat News Today! February 10, 2012

as always, thanks to News.Google.com! Cat news-plus always available in the right sidebar under Profile as well!

feral cats news ::

freeroaming cats news ::

Trap Neuter Return news ::

Trap Neuter Release news ::

stray cats news ::

"community cats" news ::

felines news ::

homeless cats news ::

cats news

spay neuter news ::

"no kill" news ::

Vertebrate Pest Conference March 2012 - Feral Cats

AnimalResources shared the previous Vertebrate Pest Conference program drafts with leading cat and animal people on December 2, 2011 and December 29, 2011.


25th VERTEBRATE PEST CONFERENCE
March 5 - 8, 2012
Monterey, California, USA

Draft Final Program - Jan. 26, 2012

[excerpt, as always read entire]


Thursday, March 8
Concurrent Session 4B: Feral Cats

8:15 am Session Chair: Dirk H. Van Vuren
Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology
University of California, Davis, CA

8:20 Feral Cats in the Tall Forests of Far East Gippsland, Australia
Tony Buckmaster, Institute for Applied Ecology and Invasive Animals
Cooperative Research Centre, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia

8:45 Getting Ready for the Next Step: The Eradication of Feral Cats on Large and Highest Priority Mexican Islands
José Mariá Barredo*, Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas, A.C., Baja California, Mexico

9:10 Factors Affecting Public Tolerance for Free-Roaming Cats
Dara M. Wald*, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

9:35 The Effects of Feral Cats on Insular Wildlife: The Club Med
Syndrome
Steven C. Hess*, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawaii National Park, HI

10:20 Social Carrying Capacity for Introduced Terrestrial Vertebrates in the Hawaiian Islands
Cheryl Lohr*, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI

10:45 Toxoplasma gondii detection in urban Hawai'i
Alisa A. Davis*, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI

11:10 Cat Fight! The TNR Wars
Robert H. Schmidt, Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT

11:35 Free-Roaming Cats: Menace to Wildlife or Scapegoat for Human
Failings? An Animal Welfare and Protection Perspective
John Hadidian*, The Humane Society of the United States, Washington, DC

*Multiple authored paper, see abstract for a complete list of authors

Washington state spay neuter legislation SB 5151 > Save Washington Pets

Washington state residents:

Save Washington Pets Call to Action - February 7 & 8, 2012
Ask the Senate to Pass the Spay/Neuter Assistance Bill, SB 5151
Please take 5 minutes NOW to let the members of the Senate Ways & Means Committee know that you want SB 5151, the spay/neuter bill, to be passed as part of the state budget.SB 5151 would raise about $10 million per year exclusively for assistance with dog and cat spay/neuter surgery.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

AnimalResources has promoted spay/neuter resources in Washington state since 2001 via Neuter/Spay Washington, the Washington state spay/neuter license plates since before they were available in 2006, and the Save Washington Pets state spay neuter legislation since 2008!

Renal Disease in Cats Infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

saved by AnimalResources February 1, 2012

From the Wiley Online Library:
Renal Disease in Cats Infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
K.J. Baxter 1, J.K. Levy 2,*, C.H. Edinboro 3, S.L. Vaden 4, M.B. Tompkins 5
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Article first published online: 23 JAN 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00871.x

Keywords:Azotemia;Glomerulonephropathy;Human immunodeficiency virus – associated nephropathy;Proteinuria

Background
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection cause similar clinical syndromes of immune dysregulation, opportunistic infections, inflammatory diseases, and neoplasia. Renal disease is the 4th most common cause of death associated with HIV infection.
Objective
To investigate the association between FIV infection and renal disease in cats.
Animals
Client-owned cats (153 FIV-infected, 306 FIV-noninfected) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) research colony cats (95 FIV-infected, 98 FIV-noninfected).
Methods
A mixed retrospective/prospective cross-sectional study. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, urine specific gravity (USG), and urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) data were compared between FIV-infected and FIV-noninfected cats. In FIV-infected cats, total CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were measured using flow cytometry, and CD4+:CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio was calculated. Renal azotemia was defined as a serum creatinine ≥ 1.9 mg/dL with USG ≤ 1.035. Proteinuria was defined as a UPC > 0.4 with an inactive urine sediment.
Results
Among the client-owned cats, no association was detected between FIV infection and renal azotemia (P = .24); however, a greater proportion of FIV-infected cats were proteinuric (25.0%, 16 of 64 cats) compared to FIV-noninfected cats (10.3%, 20 of 195 cats) (P < .01). Neither neuter status nor health status were risk factors for proteinuria in FIV-infected cats, but UPC was positively correlated with the CD4+:CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio (Spearman's rho = 0.37, P = .01). Among the SPF research colony cats, no association was detected between FIV infection and renal azotemia (P = .21) or proteinuria (P = .25).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Proteinuria but not azotemia was associated with natural FIV infection.

Attitudes and Behaviors towards Cat Containment in Australia

From AnimalResources files January 26, 2012:

Wandering Cats: Attitudes and Behaviors towards Cat Containment in Australia
Authors: Toukhsati, Samia R.; Young, Emily; Bennett, Pauleen C.; Coleman, Grahame J.

Source: Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 25, Number 1, March 2012 , pp. 61-74(14)

Publisher: Berg Publishers


Abstract:

Cat containment is a prominent cat management issue in Australia that provokes strong, and sometimes opposing, points of view. The aim of this study was to explore beliefs and attitudes towards containment in cat owner and non-owner groups, and to examine cat containment practices in owners. A random sample of 424 Victorian residents was recruited to complete the Community Attitudes towards Companion Animals Survey by telephone interview. The results showed that, of 142 cat owners, 80% contained their cat to a property at night but only 41.2% contained their cat to a property during the day. For cat owners, beliefs about the importance of cat containment were related to concerns regarding the protection of cats from injury and the protection of native wildlife. Beliefs relating to the importance of cat containment most strongly predicted containment practices. Conversely, findings from non-owners revealed that support for containment was generally linked to concerns regarding protection for wildlife and protection of community members from harm or nuisance behaviors. These findings indicate broad support for cat containment and suggest that education relating to the advantages of suitably enriched containment to protect cats from injury would be worthwhile in regions with cat curfews in place.
Keywords: CAT; CONTAINMENT; ENRICHMENT; NUISANCE; WILDLIFE

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/175303712X13240472427195

Publication date: 2012-03-01

comment: FWS Finding-Petition to List `I'iwi as E or T

Recurring Feral Cat Blog! blurb: Only those with knowledgeable, factual, balanced input need comment! :)) One may even agree with any proposal but often find that the research it is based upon is inadequate, wrong, misrepresented, outdated.

Comments due by March 26, 2012

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2011-0110; 4500030114]
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on
a Petition To List the `I'iwi as Endangered or Threatened
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition finding and initiation of status
review.

[excerpt]

Forest bird predation by feral cats has been documented since the late 1800s (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 277). Feral cats are believed to prey on roosting or incubating native forest bird adults, on eggs, and on young (Scott et al. 1986, pp. 363-364; VanderWerf and Smith 2002, p. 73). Although most common at lower elevations, they have been observed in high-elevation rain forests on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii (Scott et al. 1986, p. 363; Tweed et al. 2006, p. 753). In montane wet forests on Hawaii Island, native forest birds are a regular component in the diet of feral cats (Smucker et al. 2000, p. 233). An examination of the stomach contents of 118 feral cats at Hakalau forest determined that native and introduced birds were the most common prey item (Banko et al. 2004, p. 16.2).

[excerpt]

In summary, we find that the information provided in the petition, as well as other information in our files, presents substantial scientific or commercial information to indicate that the petitioned action may be warranted because of disease threats such as avian malaria and avian pox, and predation by nonnative rats, cats, and potentially by native and nonnative owls. We did not find substantial scientific or commercial information in the petition or in our files that would indicate the West Nile virus, chewing lice infestation, or predation by the small Indian mongoose represent potential threats to the `i'iwi.

[end excerpts]

Comment: FWS Finding-Petition to List San Bernardino Flying Squirrel as E or T

Recurring Feral Cat Blog! blurb: Only those with knowledgeable, factual, balanced input need comment! :)) One may even agree with any proposal but often find that the research it is based upon is inadequate, wrong, misrepresented, outdated.

Comments due by April 2, 2012.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2011-0114; 4500030113]
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on
a Petition to List the San Bernardino Flying Squirrel as Endangered or
Threatened With Critical Habitat
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of petition finding and initiation of status review.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[excerpt, always read entire]

Information provided by the petitioner and readily available in our files indicates the San Bernardino flying squirrel may be threatened by predation from domestic and feral cats (Mitchell and Beck 1992, p. 200; USFS 2005a, pp. 1134, 1135), and this threat may be increasing due to increases in residential development within the range of this subspecies. Domestic cats can range and hunt across both urban and adjacent forested areas. Several residential development projects are planned in areas that contain San Bernardino flying squirrels or within suitable habitat for the species (County of San Bernardino 2007, pp. 15, 37; Michael Brandman Associates 2010, pp. 2-2, 2-3; PCR Services Corporation 2010, pp. 2-3, 3.C-26; Vista Community Planners 2010, p. 1- 3). Domestic house cats are listed as a predator of northern flying squirrel species (Wells-Gosling and Heaney 1984, p. 4) and have been documented preying on the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans; found through eastern North America south to Mexico and Honduras) (Mitchell and Beck 1992, p. 200). Additionally, Hall et al. (2000, p. 23) found California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) occasionally in the scat of feral cats. Research shows that feral cats show a preference for hunting native species in riparian habitats (Hall et al. 2000, p. 23), and it is reasonable to assume that feral and free-ranging cat abundance would increase as more residential development occurs (Jurek 1994, p. 1; Hall et al. 2000, p. 20). All species are subjected to some level of disease and predation under natural conditions, and the San Bernardino flying squirrel has many natural predators (see Background section). We do not have substantial information from the petition or in our files to suggest that this naturally occurring predation is outside the range of natural variation in the ecosystem. However, domestic and feral cats are an unnatural, nonnative, and possibly increasing predation threat to the San Bernardino flying squirrel (Mitchell and Beck 1992, p. 197). In summary, we find that the information provided in the petition, as well as other information in our files, presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted due to predation of the San Bernardino flying squirrel by domestic and feral cats. As stated above, we will also further investigate whether West Nile virus is a potential threat to the San Bernardino flying squirrel in our 12-month status review.

[end excerpt]

Domestic cats, bobcats and pumas may bridge infection gap between people and wildlife

Update February 8, 2012 PM: The paper is finally posted on PLoS One and a responsive author sent me a copy several days ago:
Three pathogens in sympatric populations of pumas, bobcats, and domestic cats: Implications for infectious disease transmission.

Update February 6, 2012: The paper MAY not be posted on PLoS until Wednesday February 8; they had some typesetting challenges!

Domestic Cats, and Wild Bobcats and Pumas, Living in Same Area Have Same Diseases
May bring them into human homes, bridging "infection gap" between people and wildlife
National Science Foundation
February 3, 2012

[excerpts]

VandeWoude and Crooks say that the results don't necessarily mean that all domestic cats that are allowed to roam outdoors are at a high level of risk. They plan further studies to better assess that risk.
It does mean that domestic cats and wild cats who share the same environment--even if they do not come into contact with each other--also can share diseases.

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Feral Cat Blog! Note:

This study was published in Plos One yesterday; when I locate the full text, I'll share the link here. Although this title is not mentioned in various news announcements, it is listed on various author pages as:

In Press
Bevins, S. N., S. Carver, E. E. Boydston, L. M. Lyren, M. Alldredge, K. A. Logan, S. P. D. Riley, R. N. Fisher, T. W. Vickers, W. Boyce, M. Salman, M. R. Lappin, K, R. Crooks, and S. VandeWoude. In Press. Three pathogens in sympatric populations of pumas, bobcats, and domestic cats: Implications for infectious disease transmission. PLoS ONE.

This project was familiar to me as, compiling for a decade all significant info related to cats / feral freeroaming community cats including research, in my files were the 2008 job description posted in the Ecolog listserv and announcements from Colorado State in June 2010 and July 2010. I came across it again in recent months while sharing various studies using remote camera traps.

The research award was announced in October 2007:
Colorado State Researchers Study Impact of Habitat Fragmentation on Disease Transmission Among Wild Big Cats
[excerpt]
FORT COLLINS - The National Science Foundation awarded Colorado State University scientists a $2.3 million grant to study how habitat fragmentation in parts of the United States influences the transmission of diseases among bobcats, pumas and domestic cats. This work will ultimately help scientists in the future identify how urbanization influences the dynamics of infectious disease among wildlife populations and domestic pets.
[end excerpt]

Addendum - also in my files:

Abstract from the SCB 24th Annual Meeting
(Society for Conservation Biologists)
3-7 July 2010, Edmonton, Alberta
P2.71 Crooks, KR*; Bevins, SN; Tracey, JA; VandeWoude, S; Colorado State University;
The effects of urban fragmentation and landscape connectivity on disease prevalence and transmission in North American felids

and

Abstract from the Society for Conservation Biology
25th International Congress for Conservation Biology
December 6, 2011
The impact of urbanization on pathogens of North
American wild felids
Carver, S*, Colorado State University; Bevins, SN, Colorado State University; Lappin, MR, Colorado State University; Crooks, KR, Colorado State University; VandeWoude, S, Colorado State University

Florida Keys Refuges feral cat removal update

Anne Morkill, director of Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges, continues to promise live-trapping and removal of freeroaming cats from the refuges

In 2012, our routine tasks will continue, including wildlife monitoring, prescribed burning, exotic plant control, and public outreach; we’ll begin live-trapping and removal of free-roaming cats on refuge lands and actively promote the Our Animal Family campaign; . . .

in the latest issue of the FAVOR Florida Keys newsletter - downloadable pdf file: FAVOR News January/February 2012 - Friends and Volunteers of Refuges - Florida Keys

You may recall reading about the prescribed fire burn that went OOC (out of control) on Big Pine Key last September 15. Also in the FAVOR newsletter are two pieces about prescribed burns and wildland fires.

Separately, last week a report was released "The BP11 Escaped Prescribed Fire - Lessons Learned Review."
downloadable pdf file: http://wildfirelessons.net/documents/BP11_LLR_Final.pdf

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On January 3, 2011, AnimalResources shared the deficient draft Florida Keys Refuges Integrated Predator Plan* with animal and cat leaders nationwide for public comments.
* downloadable pdf file: http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/pdfs/PredatorMgmtPlan.pdf

Virginia legislation SB359 Trap Neuter Return update

Virginia SB359 Trap Neuter Return Update February 27, 2012: Bill was tabled by House subcommittee
Update February 20 2012  House: Assigned ACNRsub: Agriculture
Update February 13 2012  House: Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
Update February 08 2012 Senate: Read third time and passed Senate (31-Y 8-N)

Virginia Senate Bill 359 to permit Trap Neuter Return was approved by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and next goes to a full Senate vote.

Further action:
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
Your Voice Matters - SB 359

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Previous Feral Cat Blog! post:
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Virginia legislation SB 359 > Trap Neuter and Return programs