Some problems of dog health and control in Aboriginal and Islander Communities in North Queensland
Jack Shield
ABSTRACT
The Aboriginal and Islander communities of Cape York Peninsula have dog populations averaging one dog per 5.26 people, not much higher than the Queensland average of one dog per six people. The community dogs however, are largely unrestrained and unfed. They therefore comprise a pariah population causing a range of nuisance problems. Because of bad environmental conditions and poor human health in the communities, there is much concern about some diseases being spread from dogs to people. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries is helping overcome these problems with dog health and contraception programs. Dealing with Aboriginals living in these communities requires patience and understanding.
About the author
Jack Shield BVSc
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
PO Box 652
CAIRNS
AUSTRALIA 4870
Phone (070)523 288
Fax (070)519 090
I have been working in Aboriginal communities only since 1985 when I came to Cairns as part of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries' stepped-up fight against bovine tuberculosis. During the next four years I spent quite a bit of time in the Cape York Peninsula communities, particularly Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw.
Because of the hectic pace of the TB eradication campaign I had little opportunity in those days to do more than remark on the poor health and conditions of the community dogs.
Nineteen eighty nine (1989) saw a slowing of the pace of the TB campaign. This provided the opportunity to look at the health of these animals and to offer the communities some help in improving the lot of the dogs. Since then I have been spending a considerable portion of my time in guiding the QDPI's Aboriginal Dog Health Program.
My other areas of special interest include feral animal control, farming of crocodiles, ostriches and emus, and the study of zoonoses (diseases spread from animals to man).
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