An estimated 75 per cent of all emerging infectious diseases were originally passed to humans from an animal. This data prompted researchers at the University of Saskatchewan to begin a study on the connection between recently imported dogs and an increase of zoonotic diseases being brought into the country. This is the first study of its kind.

After September of 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency made it so countries with a high risk for rabies were no longer allowed to send dogs into Canada. Researcher Dr. Tasha Epp says the ban was warranted, because public health authorities determined there was a significant enough risk to human health if the dogs would continue to be allowed to enter the country. She says those concerns form the basis of a new study.

“There are lots of countries around the world in which they have diseases that we don’t have in Canada in our dog population.” Those diseases include the canine variant of rabies.

Dr. Epp and her team are reaching out to pet owners, as well as canine rescue organizations, to sign their recently imported dogs up for the study. The dogs must have been imported within the last 30 days in order to participate. The time limit makes it easier to determine if diseases were picked up in Canada or in the country they came from.

The project will cover the cost of all disease testing, and $120 per animal will be deducted from a mandatory health evaluation from owner’s regular veterinarian. Test results will not affect the dog’s ability to stay in the country.

Email the address to sign up for the study: compan.surv@usask.ca