Investigation of the distribution of some Gastrointestinal Helminths and protozoa in free-ranging dogs in Karbala province

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs in urban and rural areas. From October 2022 to March 2023 80 fecal samples, which examined by using simple zinc sulfate flotation and Lugol’s solution staining then examined by macroscopically and microscopically for the presence of worm eggs and protozoal oocysts. The overall prevalence of infected dogs in this study is to identify the gastrointestinal parasites and Protozoa in stray dogs. The current study includes seven genera of intestinal helminths and protozoa as follows: three cestodes (Taenia sp. 12%), four nematodes (Toxocara canis 56%, Toxoascara canis. 16%) and two protozoa (Giardia sp. 20% and Cryptosporidium sp. 8%) from all fecal samples of dogs were collected from different regions of Kerbala. The results of high rates of infection were during winter months. The high prevalence of intestinal helminths in the dog’s population suggests the need for more efficient control measures. The high predominance of T. canis, and Giardia spp. suggested that dogs could play an active role in the transmission of zoonotic parasites in this area of Iraq. Educating the dog hunters and increasing their health awareness should be considered in the control program.   The results of the present study provide relevant ‘‘baseline’’ data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against canine parasitic infections.