DISTRIBUTION OF TOXOCAROSIS OF DOGS AND CATS IN TAJIKISTAN

Abstract

domestic dogs and cats play an important role in the transmission of the helminthic zoonotic agent, like the toxocara worm, which is directly transmitted from domestic animals to the human environment without the involvement of vectors or intermediate hosts. Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the dog and cat roundworms Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, respectively. The prevalence of toxocariasis among the population of Tajikistan remains unknown. The number of the main owners of toxocariasis - dogs and cats in the Republic of Tajikistan from 2017 to 2021 is approximately 7058 and 1262, respectively, and tends to increase. The high density of free-roaming dogs and cats maintains a constant infection pressure of these and other parasites. Continuing education of veterinarians and informing pet owners through the provision of unified advice is a priority. Close collaboration between veterinarians and public health professionals is required within the One Health concept.