A survey of endoparasitic zoonoses in stray dogs at a selected locality (Thamankaduwa) in Polonnaruwa district
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Date
2000
Authors
de Alwis, T. M. D. R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Peradeniya
Abstract
To assess the prevalence of endoparasitic infections with zoonotic potential among stray dogs (122) at Thamankaduwa health area in the Polunnaruwa district were examined at the necropsy from January 1999 to March 1999.
Ten species of parasites namely; Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Dipylidium caninum, Cholonorchis sinensis, Diphylobothrium latum, Taenia pisiformis, Spirocerca lupi, Dirofilaria repens, Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis were detected. Of the 10 endoparasites observed Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Dipylidium caninum and Dirofilaria repens are proved zoonoses in this country.
Ancylostoma canium, Dipylidium caninum and microfilariae of Dirofilaria repens had the highest prevalence and detected in 59.0%, 54.9% and 50.0% of observed dogs respectively. Diphyllobothrium latum and Taenia pisiformis had the lowest prevalence and were found in 0.8% and 1.6% of observed dogs respectively. The overall prevalence a of endoparasites was 98.4% with the presence of at least one of the above parasite species. Ninety one percent of the animals had mixed infections.
Relationships were not found between prevalence of parasitic infections and the sex of the animals. A very strong association was observed between 7. canis infection and the age group of the animal with the infection was very common in <6 months age category (r=0.80). S. lupi infection is more common in >6 months age category (r=0.31). Some of the infections are of public health concerns.
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Keywords
Zoological Sciences , Dogs , Polonnaruwa District