Characterization of ectoparasites in an urban cat (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758) population of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Ectoparasites are capable of transmitting infectious diseases and, therefore, are of zoonotic concern. Cats submitted to a spay/neuter program in the city of Rio de Janeiro were examined to determine the distribution of ectoparasites in cats from a city with a tropical climate. Independent of gender, breed, or age, 292 cats were combed and subjected to otoscopic examination. Ectoparasites were collected, and blood samples were taken to determine packed cell volume. The majority of the 292 cats were female (71%), and most of them were categorized as domestic short hair cats (92%). Different species of ectoparasites that produced both single agent and multi-agent infestations were detected in these cats. Most cats were infested by Ctenocephalides felis (60%); however, other ectoparasites were found to a lesser degree in the sampled population (Felicola subrostratus (5.4%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (1.4%), Lynxacarus radovskyi (1%), and Otodectes cynotis (6.2%)). Within the infested cats, 16.3% were also anemic, and there was a significant association between the occurrence of anemia and flea infestation. Of all sampled cats, 65% were infested by at least one species of ectoparasites, which suggests both a heavy infestation of the environment and owner negligence. Ectoparasites are not only nuisances to both cats and owners, but they are also significant carriers of disease. Therefore, the implementation of rigorous, safe preventive measures is of great importance.

A survey on endoparasites and ectoparasites of stray cats from Mashhad (Iran) and association with risk factors

“…To the best of our knowledge, there is no specific data regarding infestation of cats with ticks from Iran. However, infestation of cats by Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus is reported from other countries of the world (Akucewich et al 2002;Nijhof et al 2007;Xhaxhiu et al 2009;Mendes-de-Almeida et al 2010).…”

The role of cats in the eco-epidemiology of spotted fever group diseases

“…Although cats can be reservoirs of some microorganisms, they are very popular as pets around the world. Flea exposure is very frequent in cats [26]. Experimental cats exposed to R. felis infected fleas became seropositive and R. felis was detected in blood by PCR [27].…”

“…However, since cats can be exposed to ticks [26], antibodies against R. conorii have also been detected in cats [29–31]. Likewise, since R. massiliae strains have been found in Rhipicephalus spp.…”

Papular urticaria: A review of causal agents in Colombia

“…La pulga del gato, C. felis, es la especie más común entre los animales domésticos de todo el mundo (33). Ctenocephalides canis se conoce generalmente como la pulga del perro, pero también, puede atacar a animales salvajes, domésticos y a los seres humanos (31).…”