As there appeared to be no data available on parasite infection of stray cats in the region and considering the potential threat of stray cats for animal and public health, the present study was carried out using biological samples and necropsy finding collected from cats captured in Mashhad city in the northeast of Iran. From a total 52 stray cats examined, 18 (34.6%) were male and 34 (65.4%) were female. Ten species of endoparasites including helminthes and protozoa and two species of ectoparasites were detected in the examined cats. There were two protozoa, five cestodes, three nematodes and two arthropods. Overall 46 cats (88.46%) have been infected with at least one of the parasites. The following parasites, with their respective prevalence, were found; Nematoda: Toxocara cati 28.84%, Toxocara leonina 7.69%, Physaloptera praeputialis 3.84%; Cestoda: Dipylidium caninum 23.08%, Mesocestoides lineatus 13.46%, Taenia taeniaformis 9.6%, Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoides 7.6% and Taenia hydatigena 1.92%; Protozoa: I. felis 23.7%, Haemobartonella felis 1.92%; Arthropoda: Ctenocephalides felis 1.92% and Cheyletiella blakei 1.92%. Based on our data, there was no significant difference in infection rate between male and female animals. However, the age of the cats were found to be an important risk factor associated with parasitic infection. Our results revealed that zoonotic agents, namely T. cati were present in stray cat colonies in the investigated area. In this respect, appropriate control measures should be taken and it is recommended to determine the most appropriate preventive methods.

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The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Haemoproteus columbae and Trichomonas gallinae in pigeons (Columba domestica) in Isfahan, Iran. Study was done on 100 pigeons from January to June 2010 in Isfahan located in south of Iran. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken from all birds. Also blood samples were obtained from wing vein and thin smears were prepared from them. All smears were stained by Giemsa and were examined by immersion. Out of 100 Oropharyngeal swab smears 57 (57%) were positive for T. gallinae and Haemoproteus gallinae were detected in 62 pigeons (62%) from which blood smear were taken. The present study is in close agreement with other studies in Iran. But infestation rate to theses parasite in world are very different. These differences were probably linked to geographical variations and differences in the feeding habitat and abundance of vehicles of Haemoproteus.

This research was carried out in order to get overview of current status of infestation with Dactylogyrus spp. and other parasites in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) collected from the ponds around Mashhad in northeast of Iran. A total of 100 common carps from March to December 2011, 61 (61 %) specimens were hosts to parasites. Monogenea dominated the parasite load most of all fishes, whereas Argulus foliaceus (Arthropoda) was the less parasite. Parasites were found as followed: Dactylogyrus extensus (29 %), Dactylogyrus anchoratus (2 %), Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (10 %), Trichodina nigra (7 %), Capillaria spp. (5 %), Procaecum spp. (2 %), Argulus foliaceus (2 %), and Lernaea cyprinacea (4 %). Seasonal changes in the abundance of parasites were evident for most taxa in which the prevalence of parasitic infection and diversity were more in summer than other seasons. The result of this study provide a better aquaculture conditions and help to solve some of the problems of fish farmers.

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