Prevalence of Canine Intestinal Parasites in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract

Intestinal parasites in canine can cause malnutrition, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Several species of internal parasites that exist in dogs' intestine may lead to zoonotic diseases. In this study, canine fecal samples (n꞊ 48) were collected from public spaces and privet properties in Duhok province to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, and to identify the predominant parasitic species and to evaluate the potential risk factors among the animals. All samples were examined for intestinal helminthes and protozoa by direct microscopy, flotation and sedimentation methods. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was (54.16%), 52% in males and 56.52% in females. The study revealed the presence of two species of parasites detected included Toxocara canis (68%) and Echinococcus granulosis (32%). Furthermore canine breed, age, sex and type of food showed an association with varying degrees with prevalence of canine intestinal parasites.