Are Dogs Children,Companions, or Just Animals? Understanding Variations in People's Orientations toward Animals

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the variations in dog owners' attitudes toward, treatment of, and interactions with, animals. Based on 28 in-depth interviews with dog owners from a county in the Midwestern United States, I demonstrate that pets are an important part of many people's lives, often providing companionship, entertainment, and meaningful interactions; however, there are notable, distinct variations in how people relate to them. Pet owners typically exhibit one of three orientations toward pets: “dominionistic,” “humanistic,” or “protectionistic.” The dominionistic have relatively low regard for their pets, valuing them primarily for the uses they provide, such as protection. Those employing the humanistic orientation elevate their pets to the status of surrogate humans and value their pets primarily for the affective benefits they enjoy from their close attachments. The protectionistic have high regard for both pets and animals more generally. They view pets as valuable companions and as creatures with their own interests. This typology offers insights for understanding the source and variety of the often ambiguous and contradictory relations between people and pets. I argue that individual characteristics and experiences impact how people understand and relate to animals, in large part, because they represent exposure to different cultural messages. I suggest that these orientations represent three sets of distinct cultural logics, each with distinct histories and contemporary sources.     

Animal babesiosis: an emerging zoonosis also in Italy?

In Italy, babesiosis is widespread in several Central and Southern Regions, but few data are available on its presence in most Italian areas. In 2004 a project was financed by the MIUR to investigate on the babesiosis epidemiology in vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, and on the transmission risk for humans in Central and Northern Regions of the country. Microscopy and/or molecular tools were applied to blood samples of wild animals, livestock and pets, and to 1,677 ticks collected on animals or in the environment, with the aim of detect babesial parasites. Moreover, serological tests were used to evaluate the circulation of these protozoa among animals and people at risk. Microscopy identified as positive 5.0% of the animals, mostly living in Central Regions, but also in Northern areas considered Babesia-free. Serology evidenced the same general trend. PCR detected "piroplasm" DNA in 13.8% of the animals, and sequencing identified babesial parasites in 101/233 samples. The ticks were identified as belonging to 12 species, mostly represented by Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus. Molecular analyses evidenced babesial parasites in 3.8% of them; in Rh. sanguineus was also demonstrated the vertical transmission of Babesia canis canis. To date 30 human sera have been analysed: 3 showed antibodies to B. microti. Animal babesiosis is largely present among pets, wild and farm animals, whereas goats seem refractory to the infection. In wild ungulates have been found the B. divergens-like, and the Babesia EU1 strains (reported in Italy in humans). Our findings evidenced the low reliability of microscopy in epidemiological studies, and the need of new/improved immunological tests to face diagnostic problems. The monitoring of infected areas and infection rates, joined to appropriate control programs, seems necessary to avoid the transmission of babesiosis to humans.     

野生动物与宠物

动物可分为野生动物和家养动物,越来越多的野生动物被人们当作宠物来饲养。野生动物作为宠物的危害是巨大的。野生动物对人类的危害主要包括直接攻击人类,携带病原威胁人类以及对环境设施造成的破坏。人类对野生动物的危害包括野生动物驯养繁殖、疾病传播等方面。野生动物对家养动物的危害包括直接危害和疾病危害。因此,野生动物不适合作为宠物饲养,不仅仅是因为它们原本的生活习性,对野生动物资源的破坏,更重要的是病原体可能跨越种间障碍而威胁人类的安全。     

The Use of Positive Reinforcement in Training Zebra Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum)

Few studies have examined how personality traits may be related to the amounts and types of attachments humans have toward companion animals (pets). In this study, 1,098 companion animal guardians (owners) completed a survey that included the Big Five Inventory, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, and the Pet Attachment Questionnaire. Each participant chose whether he or she identified as a Cat Person, Dog Person, Both, or Neither. Results indicated that neuroticism, conscientiousness, choosing a dog as a favorite pet, and identifying as a Cat Person, Dog Person, or Both predicted affection for a pet. Conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness decreased avoidant attachment to pets, and neuroticism increased anxious attachment to pets. Both dogs and cats could benefit from pet owners who are conscientious, and there may be some benefits of neuroticism in pet owners. The findings of this study will advance understanding of the human–animal bond. As this understanding increases, measurements of human attachment and personality may be useful for the development of tools that could assist shelter employees and veterinarians in counseling people about pet ownership.     

Advances in molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in dogs and cats

The use of molecular tools has led to the identification of several zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and cats. Among them, Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium felis are dominant species causing canine and feline cryptosporidiosis, respectively. Some Cryptosporidium parvum infections have also been identified in both groups of animals. The identification of C. canis, C. felis and C. parvum in both pets and owners suggests the possible occurrence of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. between humans and pets. However, few cases of such concurrent infections have been reported. Thus, the cross-species transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. between dogs or cats and humans has long been a controversial issue. Recently developed subtyping tools for C. canis and C. felis should be very useful in identification of zoonotic transmission of both Cryptosporidium spp. Data generated using these tools have confirmed the occurrence of zoonotic transmission of these two Cryptosporidium spp. between owners and their pets, but have also shown the potential presence of host-adapted subtypes. Extensive usage of these subtyping tools in epidemiological studies of human cryptosporidiosis is needed for improved understanding of the importance of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. from pets.     

Post COVID-19: a solution scan of options for preventing future zoonotic epidemics

The crisis generated by the emergence and pandemic spread of COVID-19 has thrown into the global spotlight the dangers associated with novel diseases, as well as the key role of animals, especially wild animals, as potential sources of pathogens to humans. There is a widespread demand for a new relationship with wild and domestic animals, including suggested bans on hunting, wildlife trade, wet markets or consumption of wild animals. However, such policies risk ignoring essential elements of the problem as well as alienating and increasing hardship for local communities across the world, and might be unachievable at scale. There is thus a need for a more complex package of policy and practical responses. We undertook a solution scan to identify and collate 161 possible options for reducing the risks of further epidemic disease transmission from animals to humans, including potential further SARS-CoV-2 transmission (original or variants). We include all categories of animals in our responses (i.e. wildlife, captive, unmanaged/feral and domestic livestock and pets) and focus on pathogens (especially viruses) that, once transmitted from animals to humans, could acquire epidemic potential through high rates of human-to-human transmission. This excludes measures to prevent well-known zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, that cannot readily transmit between humans. We focused solutions on societal measures, excluding the development of vaccines and other preventive therapeutic medicine and veterinary medicine options that are discussed elsewhere. We derived our solutions through reading the scientific literature, NGO position papers, and industry guidelines, collating our own experiences, and consulting experts in different fields. Herein, we review the major zoonotic transmission pathways and present an extensive list of options. The potential solutions are organised according to the key stages of the trade chain and encompass solutions that can be applied at the local, regional and international scales. This is a set of options targeted at practitioners and policy makers to encourage careful examination of possible courses of action, validating their impact and documenting outcomes.     

The Spillover Effect of a Flood on Pets and Their People: Implications for Rental Housing

When disasters strike, companion animals (pets) matter. Emergency planning for them is a key aspect of disaster preparedness, especially considering that people may delay evacuation out of concern for their pets. Temporary boarding options for pets are important; however, caregivers (owners) must ultimately return to permanent housing. Surprisingly little attention has been paid to housing recovery in the disaster literature on pet ownership, and no studies have examined the potential for increased vulnerability among tenants with pets. This study analyzed online rental listings in a city that was severely flooded in 2013. In the following year, demand for pet-friendly rental housing outweighed supply. Landlords frequently stipulated restrictions on the allowable sizes, species, or breeds of pets. Dogs were often banned outright. To keep their pets, prospective tenants needed to exercise flexibility in location and pay higher surcharges. The implications of housing insecurity for tenants with pets have broad relevance, not just in disaster circumstances. Giving up a companion animal to secure housing can negatively impact resilience, whereas living in unsafe environments to avoid pet relinquishment may increase vulnerability.     

Eradicating multiple invasive species on inhabited islands: the next big step in island restoration?

Invasive species are the greatest threat to island ecosystems, which harbour nearly half the world’s endangered biodiversity. However, eradication is more feasible on islands than on continents. We present a global analysis of 1,224 successful eradications of invasive plants and animals on 808 islands. Most involve single vertebrate species on uninhabited islands, but plant and invertebrate eradications occur more often on inhabited islands. Inhabited islands are often highly modified and support numerous introduced species. Consequently, targeting a single invasive species can be ineffective or counterproductive. The impacts of other pests will continue and, in some cases, be exacerbated. The presence of people also creates regulatory, logistical and socio-political constraints. Real or perceived health risks to inhabitants, pets and livestock may restrict the use of some eradication tools, and communities or individuals sometimes oppose eradication. Despite such challenges, managing invasive species is vital to conserve and restore the unique biodiversity of many inhabited islands, and to maintain or improve the welfare and livelihoods of island residents. We present a brief case study of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile, and discuss the feasibility of eradicating large suites of invasive plants and animals from inhabited islands while managing other invaders for which eradication is not feasible or desirable. Eradications must be planned to account for species interactions. Monitoring and contingency plans must detect and address any ‘surprise effects’. Above all, it is important that the local community derives social, cultural and/or economic benefits, and that people support and are engaged in the restoration effort.     

The Prevalence and Implications of Human–Animal Co-Sleeping in an Australian Sample

Sleep research is characterized by an interest in humans, with the realm of animal sleep left largely to ethologists and animal scientists. However, the lives of sleep-study participants and those with sleep problems frequently involve animals. For the majority of the population in developed countries who own pets, their waking lives are impacted by the duties of animal care and ownership. For many, their sleeping lives are also impacted through sharing their bedrooms or their beds with pets. Yet, little is known about the prevalence of human–animal co-sleeping relationships or their impact on sleep. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and implications of human–animal co-sleeping in an Australian sample. The study uses data collected from the 2012 Sealy Sleep Census, a national online survey of sleep wellness that included a sample of 10,128 after data cleaning. The population of respondents (aged 18–74) who co-slept with pets (n = 1,018 or 10% of the sample) was then matched to a sample of respondents who did not co-sleep with pets, according to gender and age. Those who co-slept with pets took longer to fall asleep (p = 0.029), were more likely to wake up tired (p = 0.025), and although they were not more likely to wake up due to a disturbance, those who did had a greater chance of being disturbed by dog barking/animals making noises (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences found in total self-reported sleep length or feelings of tiredness during the day. The continued practice of co-sleeping with pets suggests that there may be some benefits such as social support and social interaction, and increased feelings of personal security. The survey provides a preliminary understanding of the prevalence and implications of human–animal co-sleeping, and highlights areas for further examination of its implications on sleep research and clinical practice.     

Epidemiology and disease control in everyday beef practice

It is important for food animal veterinarians to understand the interaction among animals, pathogens, and the environment, in order to implement herd-specific biosecurity plans. Animal factors such as the number of immunologically protected individuals influence the number of individuals that a potential pathogen is able to infect, as well as the speed of spread through a population. Pathogens differ in their virulence and contagiousness. In addition, pathogens have various methods of transmission that impact how they interact with a host population. A cattle population's environment includes its housing type, animal density, air quality, and exposure to mud or dust and other health antagonists such as parasites and stress; these environmental factors influence the innate immunity of a herd by their impact on immunosuppression. In addition, a herd's environment also dictates the "animal flow" or contact and mixing patterns of potentially infectious and susceptible animals. Biosecurity is the attempt to keep infectious agents away from a herd, state, or country, and to control the spread of infectious agents within a herd. Infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) alone are seldom able to cause disease in cattle without contributing factors from other infectious agents and/or the cattle's environment. Therefore to develop biosecurity plans for infectious disease in cattle, veterinarians must consider the pathogen, as well as environmental and animal factors.     

Introduction to the Themed Issue on Human–Animal Interaction and Healthy Human Aging

ABSTRACT

In 2016, the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) developed a research focus on the benefits and potential risks associated with pets among older adults. With the goal of developing a roadmap for human–animal interaction (HAI) research in older people residing in both the community and institutions, GSA convened a workshop of international experts and policy-makers in the fields of aging and HAI. The status of current knowledge was shared on the success factors for healthy aging and the potential challenges (GSA, 2016). Participants considered what roles pets might play in the lives of older adults and their potential to mitigate loneliness, social isolation, and depression, and to enhance mobility and cognitive function. Existing research was shared to provide insights into the ways in which pets can impact older adults and their caregivers and to identify where further research is needed. This paper introduces a series of papers from that meeting, with some additional papers from meeting attendees to expand on the topics covered and provide key perspectives and gaps in information needed, as a foundation for those considering research into this topic. Although HAI/Animal-Assistant Intervention (AAI) research is in its infancy, there is some evidence that pet ownership or animal interaction can have major benefits for many older adults. At the same time, there are some risks to both the pet and the older adult that need to be addressed. Innovative approaches to both AAIs and the ways to overcome challenges are presented in this themed issue of Anthrozoös. Our hope is that the findings from these reviews and reports will stimulate additional work in this area.     

Helminth vaccines: from mining genomic information for vaccine targets to systems used for protein expression

The control of helminth diseases of people and livestock continues to rely on the widespread use of anti-helminthic drugs. However, concerns with the appearance of drug resistant parasites and the presence of pesticide residues in food and the environment, has given further incentive to the goal of discovering molecular vaccines against these pathogens. The exponential rate at which gene and protein sequence information is accruing for many helminth parasites requires new methods for the assimilation and analysis of the data and for the identification of molecules capable of inducing immunological protection. Some promising vaccine candidates have been discovered, in particular cathepsin L proteases from Fasciola hepatica, aminopeptidases from Haemonchus contortus, and aspartic proteases from schistosomes and hookworms, all of which are secreted into the host tissues or into the parasite intestine where they play important roles in host-parasite interactions. Since secreted proteins, in general, are exposed to the immune system of the host they represent obvious candidates at which vaccines could be targeted. Therefore, in this article, we consider the potential values and uses of algorithms for characterising cDNAs amongst the collated helminth genomic information that encode secreted proteins, and methods for their selective isolation and cloning. We also review the variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell expression systems that have been employed for the production and downstream purification of recombinant proteins in functionally active form, and provide an overview of the parameters that must be considered if these recombinant proteins are to be commercialised as vaccine therapeutics in humans and/or animals.     

Attitudes and Actions of Pet Caregivers in New Providence,The Bahamas,in the Context of Those of Their American Counterparts

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the attitudes and actions of 614 Bahamian pet caregivers towards their pets, irrespective of the type of pet kept. The results are discussed in the context of an American study by Pamela Carlisle-Frank and Joshua Frank, published in 2006, which posed similar questions. While Bahamians appeared to interact less with their pets than Americans (e.g., 56.9% of Bahamians took pets on walks compared with 71.5% of Americans), they had some important attitudes towards animals in common with Americans, such as disapproving of declawing of cats (67.9% of Bahamians and 71.1% of Americans) and long-term chaining of dogs (83.0% of Bahamians and 84.9% of Americans), and the recognition of the need to help animals (85.0% of Bahamians and 90.5% of Americans). Some Bahamian respondents voluntarily suggested that white people and black people cared for animals differently. The results suggest that the differences between the two communities, in terms of actions and attitudes towards pets, may explain why some American visitors to The Bahamas think that Bahamians do not care for their pets. These differences are of potentially great economic importance, as most tourists visiting The Bahamas come from the US.     

宠物重要人兽共患病毒病

随着人们生活水平的不断提高,城市家庭饲养宠物日益增多,宠物已经成为人们日常生活中接触最多的动物。然而,许多宠物是人兽共患疾病的重要传染源,随着人类与各种动物间＂零＂距离的接触,各种宠物携带的人兽共患病也悄然传入人类,给人们身体健康和公共卫生安全带来了严重的威胁。近年来,许多学者对犬、猫、鸟、鼠和其他宠物易感的人兽共患病毒病开展了许多研究工作,本文对狂犬病、戊型肝炎、禽流感、淋巴细胞脉络膜脑膜炎、流行性出血热、西尼罗热等一些严重危害的宠物人兽共患病毒病进行了概述。     

Energetic costs of parasitism in the Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris

Parasites have been suggested to influence many aspects of host behaviour. Some of these effects may be mediated via their impact on host energy budgets. This impact may include effects on both energy intake and absorption as well as components of expenditure, including resting metabolic rate (RMR) and activity (e.g. grooming). Despite their potential importance, the energy costs of parasitism have seldom been directly quantified in a field setting. Here we pharmacologically treated female Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) with anti-parasite drugs and measured the change in body composition, the daily energy expenditure (DEE) using doubly labelled water, the RMR by respirometry and the proportions of time spent looking for food, feeding, moving and grooming. Post-treatment animals gained an average 19g of fat or approximately 25kJd-1. DEE averaged 382kJd-1 prior to and 375kJd-1 post treatment (p>0.05). RMR averaged 174kJd-1 prior to and 217kJd-1 post treatment (p<0.009). Post-treatment animals spent less time looking for food and grooming, but more time on feeding. A primary impact of infection by parasites could be suppression of feeding behaviour and, hence, total available energy resources. The significant elevation of RMR after treatment was unexpected. One explanation might be that parasites produce metabolic by-products that suppress RMR. Overall, these findings suggest that impacts of parasites on host energy budgets are complex and are not easily explained by simple effects such as stimulation of a costly immune response. There is currently no broadly generalizable framework available for predicting the energetic consequences of parasitic infection.     

Pets and pests in Roman and medieval Britain

Humans and other vertebrates interact in a variety of relationships which are inadequately described by a simple division of these other animals into wild, feral, tame, and domestic taxa. Discussion of the process and semantic meaning of domestication has largely taken place in the context of the adoption of settled agriculture, but is equally relevant to complex urban societies. Certain species adopted a synanthropic relationship in the first 'villages' of the early Holocene, and co-existence with pets has a similar antiquity. The nature of the relationship between people and their pets is complex, and scarcely amenable to archaeological investigation, as part of the mutual benefit has an emotional basis, or centres on the symbolic role of certain species within different societies. The status of Cats in medieval towns in Britain and Ireland is a case in point, with opinions varying from the exploitation of Cats for skins, through neglected feral living, to a pet status much as today. The truth probably subsumes all three interpretations. Rats seem to have adapted to commensalism in northern Europe more slowly than Mice, and there may be evidence that Rats were more vulnerable to changes in habitat. Archaeology can usefully examine the community ecology of Roman and medieval towns, but any such research must move away from simple concepts of wild or domestic status.     

Cryptosporidium in wild placental mammals

Cryptosporidium species are common parasites of wild placental mammals. Recent parasitological studies combined with molecular genotyping techniques have been providing valuable new insight into the host specificity and potential transmission of various Cryptosporidium species/genotypes among animals and between these animals and humans. Although Cryptosporidium in wild animals may possess a potential public health problem due to oocyst contamination in the environment, studies at various regions of the world have indicated a strong host-adaptation by these parasites and a limited potential of cross-species transmission of cryptosporidiosis among placental mammals, suggesting that these animals are probably not a major reservoir for human infection. However, Cryptosporidium species/genotypes in placental animals have been reported occasionally in humans. Therefore, public health significance of some Cryptosporidium species in wild placental mammals, such as the cervine genotype, should not be overlooked and should be further studied.     

The Pet Factor - Companion Animals as a Conduit for Getting to Know People,Friendship Formation and Social Support

Background

While companion animals have been previously identified as a direct source of companionship and support to their owners, their role as a catalyst for friendship formation or social support networks among humans has received little attention. This study investigated the indirect role of pets as facilitators for three dimensions of social relatedness; getting to know people, friendship formation and social support networks.

Methods

A telephone survey of randomly selected residents in four cities, one in Australia (Perth; n = 704) and three in the U.S. (San Diego, n = 690; Portland, n = 634; Nashville, n = 664) was conducted. All participants were asked about getting to know people within their neighborhood. Pet owners were asked additional questions about the type/s of pet/s they owned, whether they had formed friendships as a result of their pet, and if they had received any of four different types of social support from the people they met through their pet.

Results

Pet owners were significantly more likely to get to know people in their neighborhood than non-pet owners (OR 1.61; 95%CI: 1.30, 1.99). When analyzed by site, this relationship was significant for Perth, San Diego and Nashville. Among pet owners, dog owners in the three U.S. cities (but not Perth) were significantly more likely than owners of other types of pets to regard people whom they met through their pet as a friend (OR 2.59; 95%CI: 1.94, 3.46). Around 40% of pet owners reported receiving one or more types of social support (i.e. emotional, informational, appraisal, instrumental) via people they met through their pet.

Conclusion

This research suggests companion animals can be a catalyst for several dimensions of human social relationships in neighborhood settings, ranging from incidental social interaction and getting to know people, through to formation of new friendships. For many pet owners, their pets also facilitated relationships from which they derived tangible forms of social support, both of a practical and emotionally supportive nature. Given growing evidence for social isolation as a risk factor for mental health, and, conversely, friendships and social support as protective factors for individual and community well-being, pets may be an important factor in developing healthy neighborhoods.     

Animal diseases affecting human welfare in developing countries: impacts and control

Animal diseases adversely affect human populations by reducing the amount and quality of food and fiber, and draft power. Epizootics of diseases such as rinderpest have caused massive mortality among domestic and wild animals. Extensive outbreaks of Venezuelan equine encephalltis have caused massive mortality in equines, and significant morbidity among people. Foot-and-mouth disease can cause high morbidity and great direct economic loss, and loss of markets as a trade barrier. Old diseases such as yellow fever and Rift Valley fever are still with us, and diseases such as the viral haemorrhagic fevers have suddenly appeared for the first time. The transmission of some of these diseases has been facilitated inadvertently by ecological change resulting from development projects. Animal disease control must be based on dealing with disease agents, and their hosts and vectors, as part of ecosystems and farming systems. Better disease surveiliance, diagnosis and reporting is needed. The economics of disease loss and the benefits of interventions must become part of the decision-making process.This paper was presented at the IUMS Symposium on New Developments in Diagnosis and Control of Infectious Diseases held in conjunction with the Eighth International Congress of Virology, Berlin, Germany, 24–31 August 1990.