First Thelazia callipaeda Infestation Report in a Dog in Taiwan

Abstract

An ocular Thelazia callipaeda infestation was found in a male domestic dog in Taiwan during regular examination. This is the first report of the parasite from pet animal in Taiwan. The infested dog showed normal bodily condition but slight conjunctival congestion. This parasite has been reported in humans in southeast Asia, China and Korea. In 1998, first human case was reported in the central area of Taiwan. The dogs infected with T. callipaeda may have important implication in the infestation of this parasite to humans as reservoir hosts.