Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2018·United States (Richmond)

Zoonotic disease transmission associated with feral cats in a metropolitan area: A geospatial analysis

Sara J. Taetzsch, Andrea S. Bertke, Karen Gruszynski

Zoonoses and Public Health

Urban Farm DB summary

This study investigated the potential overlap between feral cat territories and human-frequented areas in the Richmond metropolitan area, Central Virginia, using GIS. From July to November 2016, 275 feral cats were trapped for TNR clinics. Findings showed that 8.0% of feral cats had the potential to range onto public elementary or preschool property, and 81.5% of those trapped in Richmond City could roam into public parks and community gardens, indicating a risk of zoonotic disease transmission.