Article 2023 · 2 citations

Gastrointestinal helminths of stray dogs in Erzurum province: Prevalence and risk to public health

Kirman, Ridvan, Akyuz, Muzaffer, Balkaya, Ibrahim, Guven, Esin, Avcioglu, Hamza, Dogan, Veysel

Abstract

Dogs play an important role in public health due to their close contact with humans. This study aimed to investigate the presence and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in stray dogs in Erzurum province. Gastrointestinal helminth eggs were detected in 190 out of 446 (42.6%) dog fecal samples collected in Erzurum. More specifically, taeniid eggs (17.71%, 79/446), Toxocara canis (16.82%, 75/446), Toxascaris leonina (12.78%, 57/446), Linguatula spp. (4.48%, 20/446), Alaria spp. (2.91%, 13/446), hookworms (2.69%, 12/446), spiny-headed worms (1.12%, 5/446), and Trichuris spp. (0.22%, 1/446) eggs were identified. These findings indicate zoonotic parasites to be common in stray dogs in Erzurum. The public health risk associated with the presence of these zoonotic parasites can be reduced through the regular deworming of stray dogs, the prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces, and the adequate enforcement of sanitation protocols.

Keywords

Feces Gastrointestinal Helminths Stray Dog Zoonoses ZOONOSES

WoS Categories

Veterinary Sciences

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-being

Citation

Journal: ANKARA UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI
Year: 2023
Volume: 70
Issue: 3
Pages: 345-348
ISSN: 1300-0861
eISSN: 1308-2817
DOI: 10.33988/auvfd.1082999
WoS UID: WOS:001021320100012

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