Why Are Dogs from One Location in Turkey Sicker? Exploring an Emerging Pattern

At Dog Desk Animal Action, we work with dogs across Turkey, north to south, city to countryside. Over the years, we’ve become used to seeing a broad spectrum of injuries and illnesses: infectious disease, trauma from vehicles, malnutrition, and parasites. These challenges are tragically commonplace for stray and neglected dogs in many regions.

But recently, we’ve noticed something that stands out.

An Emerging Pattern: More Complex Illnesses in One Specific Location

While our work spans multiple provinces and municipalities, one particular location has produced a disproportionately high number of dogs with multiple or unusually complex health problems. These dogs are more likely to present with:

• overlapping infectious diseases

• advanced parasitic infestations

• immune-compromising conditions

• severe malnutrition

• traumatic injuries that remain untreated for longer

• higher mortality despite intervention

At this stage, we must stress: this is anecdotal evidence. But the pattern is consistent enough that we have begun gathering structured data to validate, challenge, or refine our observations.

So why might this location be different?

Below are some potential factors we are beginning to explore.

Environmental Conditions

Pollution & Toxic Exposure

Industrial waste, poor water quality, agricultural chemicals, and air pollution may weaken immune systems, increase chronic illness, and contribute to organ damage.

Climate & Geography

Extreme temperature swings, lack of shade or fresh water, or proximity to wetlands (mosquito-borne disease vectors) could exacerbate disease spread and worsen outcomes.

Public Health Infrastructure & Veterinary Access

Stray animals often rely on public municipal or regional veterinary resources. Where these are:

• underfunded

• overstretched

• inaccessible

• poorly regulated

diseases go untreated longer and spread more easily.

Vaccination campaigns, spay/neuter programs, and parasite control efforts may be inconsistent or absent.

Stray Population Density

A higher stray dog population per square kilometre increases the transmission of:

• distemper

• parvovirus

• leishmaniasis

• mange

• tick-borne diseases

• canine coronavirus

Coupled with overcrowding, resource scarcity and conflict injuries also rise.

Human Behaviour and Attitudes Toward Strays

Areas where:

• feeding is discouraged

• cruelty is more commonplace

• abandonment rates are high

• road traffic is dangerous

may see strays suffer longer, accrue multiple injuries or illnesses, or be denied early intervention.

Illegal or Unregulated Activity

We cannot ignore the potential impact of:

• unregulated breeding

• illegal dog fighting

• dumping of diseased or unwanted litters

Locations where these occur may disproportionately produce dogs in poor condition.

Reporting Bias & Visibility

We must also consider:

• are we simply more aware of dogs in this area because of a local rescuer?

• are more cases flagged to us due to social media or partner networks?

• are we seeing more because we help more there?

Gathering proper data will help distinguish:
true prevalence vs. visibility bias.

Why Data Matters

Anecdotal observations are the beginning not the end of inquiry. By collecting and analysing data, we can:

• identify environmental risk factors

• quantify illness types and mortality rates

• guide resource allocation

• advocate for policy changes

• direct public health interventions

Our goal is not to assign blame, but to understand root causes and improve outcomes.

What Comes Next

We have begun:

• recording case severity and co-morbidities

• mapping geographic data

• tracking treatment outcomes

• collaborating with local stakeholders

• exploring environmental indicators

If data confirms a genuine hotspot of illness and mortality, it could unlock vital opportunities:

• targeted vaccination programs

• municipal reforms

• public education

• improved feeding points

• parasite control initiatives

• lobbying for better veterinary infrastructure

And most importantly better wellbeing and survival for the dogs who live there.

A Call for Collaboration

We welcome:

• veterinary experts

• epidemiologists

• environmental scientists

• local authorities

• rescue partners

to join us in examining this issue with rigour and compassion.

Our commitment remains the same:
to understand the causes, improve the outcomes, and fight for the dogs who have no voice.