TeamMate: a longitudinal study of New Zealand working farm dogs. I. Methods, population characteristics and health on enrolment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Working farm dogs are invaluable on New Zealand sheep and beef farms. To date no study describing farm dog population and health has included information about incidence of illness and injury, or risk factors affecting health and career duration. This paper describes the methodology and initial results from TeamMate, a longitudinal study that was designed to address this gap. We describe the study population, husbandry practices, and prevalence of clinical abnormalities on enrolment.

Methods

Data about the farms, owners, husbandry practices and dogs were collected on farm at approximately 6-month intervals. All dogs over 18 months old and in full work were enrolled. Dogs were given physical examinations by veterinarians. On examination all abnormalities were noted

SUBMITTER: Isaksen KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7027279 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature