Implementation of a feral cat management program on a university campus
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| Category | Journal Articles |
|---|---|
| Abstract |
In August 1998, Texas A&M University implemented on campus a trap-test-vaccinate-alter-return-monitor (TTVARM) program to manage the feral cat population. TTVARM is an internationally recognized term for trapping and neutering programs aimed at management of feral cat populations. In this article we summarize results of the program for the period August 1998 to July 2000. In surgery laboratories, senior veterinary students examined cats that were humanely trapped once a month and tested them for feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus infections, vaccinated and surgically neutered them. They euthanized cats testing positive for either infectious disease. Volunteers provided food and observed the cats that were returned to their capture sites on campus and maintained in managed colonies. The program placed kittens and tame cats for adoption; cats totalled 158. Of the majority of 158 captured cats, there were less kittens caught in Year 2 than in Year 1. The proportion of tame cats trapped was significantly greater in Year 2 than in Year 1. The prevalence found for feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus ELISA test positives was 5.8 and 6.5%, respectively. Following surgery, 101 cats returned to campus. The project recaptured, retested and revaccinated more than one-fourth of the cats due for their annual vaccinations. The program placed 32 kittens, juveniles and tame adults for adoption. The number of cat complaints received by the university's pest control service decreased from Year 1 to Year 2. |
| Publication Title | Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 15-28 |
| ISBN/ISSN | 1088-8705 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| DOI | 10.1207/S15327604JAWS0501_2 |
| Language | English |
| Author Address | College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA.mslater@cvm.tamu.edu |
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