Epidemiological study of non-systemic parasitism in dogs in Southeast Mediterranean Spain assessed by coprological and post-mortem examination

Abstract

The prevalence and risk factors of non-systemic canine ecto- and endoparasitism and anthelminthic use in Murcia located at the centre of the Spanish Mediterranean coastal arch, was investigated by coprology and necropsy in up to 275 pet, city shelter and stray dogs in 2001–2004. Faecal parasite stages were detected in 25% of dogs. Species frequency was 6–10% for Toxocara canis, Ancylostomatidae spp., Toxascaris leonina and Isospora canis, and 0.4–1% for Trichuris vulpis, Giardia lamblia, and Dipylidium caninum. Logistic regression indicated that the risk of intestinal parasitism was highest for dogs £1 year old, in the middle to low weight range and kept at the city shelter. Although risk factors varied according to the species, T. canis was most common in <1 year old and Ancylostomatidae spp. was more prevalent in older dogs. This suggests that the dominant species was Uncinaria spp. and not the more zoonotically important Ancylostoma spp. This was further supported by necropsy findings; however, the degree of agreement between post-mortem and coprological examination for intestinal parasites was generally poor. Necropsy revealed 10% G. lamblia, 12% Taenia spp. 38% D. caninum infections. Fleas, ticks and lice were also found in 38%, 6% and 2% of necropsied stray dogs. These results demonstrate the need for an urgent parasite control programme at the city dog shelter and the need to improve the owner’s education on zoonotic risks, the proper use of anthelminthics, and other parasite control practices.