DOG DOMESTICATION AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES AMONG URBAN COMMUNITIES IN ARAB COUNTRIES: A GROWING THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

, The domestication of dogs by humans began more than 15,000 years ago, and since then, they have been closely tied to human activities, such as guarding, hunting, and herding 1 . In addition to being a social companion and partner in work, dogs have entered homes and spent more time with humans. Hence, their relationship was strengthened over time in many cultures 2 . Humans gained many benefits from dogs’ domestication. However, scientific research indicates that dogs can transmit many pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) 3,4 . Othman and Abuseir counted more than 60 dangerous zoonotic diseases re-lated to dogs, especially echinococcosis, rabies, and leishmaniasis 5 . Many peer-reviewed articles have reported on the involvement of dogs in disease transmission. For example, Kocon et al. indicate that dogs contributed to spreading ticks (Acari: Ixodida ) in both recreational and urban areas in Southern Poland 3 . Relationships between humans and animals, particularly dogs, vary according to human