Gastro-Intestinal Helminths Detected by Coprological Examination in Stray Dogs in the Erzurum Province -Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine the extensity of gastro-intestinal helminths in stray dogs in Erzurum province (Turkey). During the investigation, stool samples were collected from 172 dogs of different ages and sex from dog housing of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality at different times and examined by Fulleborn flotation and Benedek sedimentation methods. Helminth infection was detected in 91 (52.9%) of 172 fecal samples. Six types of helminth eggs were identified; 1 trematoda, 1 cestod and 4 nematod. Species responsible of infection were identified as; Alaria spp. 2.9%, Taeniidae spp. 2.9%, Toxocara canis 20.3%, Toxascaris leonina 38.4%, hookworm 2.3% and Trichuris vulpis 0.6%. T. canis infection was more frequently seen in dogs younger than 1 year of age which was found statistically significant (P<0.001). Consequently, it was considered that stray dogs in Erzurum were infected by zoonotic helminths and the control measures should be taken against this threat.