Warruwi community is located on South Goulburn Island, off the north coast of West Arnhem Shire.The work undertaken was an interim measure to reduce the number of 'cheeky dogs 'and will provide raw data to enable the  Shire to develop their Strategic Plan in 2009.

Unfortunately Dr Jude Mulholland's visit was cancelled just prior to the scheduled date. In response to the urgency of the community’s need, AMRRIC was fortunately able to engage the skills of Dr Stephen Cutter, The Ark Animal Hospital,  at short notice.Warruwi's Dog Health Program was from Nov 3 to 7, 2008 supported by the skills of Dr Stephen Cutter, Dr Jan Allen (AMRRIC) and Aaron Tucker (veterinary nurse).  

During this visit the veterinary team supported Menzies School of Health, Darwin, by taking blood samples, skin scrapings and skin swabs of several surgery cases. The research being supported is in scabies antigens and Streptococcal and Staphlococcal skin infections.    

Mardbalk Marine Rangers had the responsibility of providing local support staff.  The team learnt skills in microchipping, injections, Ivermectin treatments and also prepared and cleaned the old health centre premises for a dedicated surgery area.Most community members were well aware of the visit and the veterinary team was generally greeted with cooperation and enthusiasm. 

The number of dogs dosed with Ivermectin closely indicated the total of dogs(134) in the Warruwi population. The dogs were in above average condition with an average Body Condition Score (BCS) of 5.2 ( in the range of 1-9, 5 is ideal).  There were about 10% of dogs exhibiting obvious signs of skin conditions (usually sarcoptic mange, dog scabies).  There were few dogs with ticks and fleas. 52  of the adult dogs in Warruwi had already been desexed – some were done on Croker Island and Gunbalanya but most were done during previous Goulburn Island vet visits by Dr Mulholland. A total of 36 dogs were surgically desexed during this visit. Desexed dogs were collared for identification - thanks to IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). With a total of 88 desexed dogs in the community,this is almost 70%  of the dog population.

A variety of medical conditions were seen including several cancers (mainly mammary), lamenesses, healed broken legs, several scaldings (nuisance dogs are often subjected to boiling water) and one bitch was taken by a croc at Cliff Camp during our visit. Other animals seen on the community were a nanny goat and kid and all ages of brumbies, including a hand-reared yearling.

All animals were in reasonable condition.A consequence of this visit will be a reduction in dog numbers, environmental faecal contamination, pack behaviour (including attacks on other animals of the community), unrestrained breeding and TVT, territorial aggression, public nuisance (noise, rubbish spread, fights),  zoonotic disease,  sick and dying unwanted puppies to name a few. 

Generally not only is there an improvement in the health and welfare of the dogs but also of the community itself.  

A copy of the full report can be viewed here.