IDENTIFICATION OF PHENOTYPIC PROFILES OF THE STREET FELINE POPULATION OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PIAUÍ AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

The concept of One Health, although recent and still under construction, is based on the tripod  of environment, human health and animal health. The vulnerability of abandoned animals drives environmental pollution, traffic accidents, cruelty and, mainly, imminent public health diseases,  such as zoonoses. Felines are part of everyday social life, both at home and on the streets, being  of great interest for studies, due to the ease of contact with them. Among the various phenotypic  characters existing among cats, coat, skull shape and physical state of the animal were observed  as the most relevant. This article aims to identify the feline phenotypic profiles present at the  Federal University of Piauí, in addition to knowing the opinion of the university community on  the subject. For this purpose, digital data collection of stray felines (images) found in the study  area was carried out, bibliographic data obtained from previously selected articles and public  opinion survey through an online questionnaire distributed from public social networks of  academic communities without any form of identification of the participants. The study area is  formed by 9 large urbanized blocks, where 125 felines were cataloged. Considering the most  commonly found combination of phenotypes, the profile of these animals is: rickety, short haired cat, triangular face and mixed coat. It is clear that this population has been frequently  assisted by the academic community by maintaining their diet, hydration and even veterinary  care. Analyzing the public opinion of the academic community, the students were very aware  of the problems resulting from the abandonment and overpopulation of these animals, giving  already known suggestions for a possible resolution of the theme. There is, therefore, a  significant degree of information but still lacking in actions aimed at promoting human and  animal health and wellness.