Occurrence of phthirapteran ectoparasite parasitizing on domestic dogs, Canis familiaris (Linne) in Jaunpur district (U.P.)

Abstract

Only two species of biting louse, Heterodoxus spiniger (Enderlein) (43.27%) and Trichodectes canis (De Geer) (13.47%) have been recorded from 245 dogs examined in twelve different localities in Jaunpur district during 2009 to 2011. Female dogs were found most prevalent in comparison to the male in both the cases. Different parameters like host sex, hair colour, hygienic condition, health and age group have been taken into the consideration during the survey. Older age groups, unhealthy and unhygienic condition of dogs were found more prone for the lice. In case of relative intensity of lice 38% were found moderately infested with H. spiniger while 23% and 16% were very light and light infested. Only 12% could be recorded heavy infested dog while 8% remained very heavy infested. Similar trends were recorded for T. canis where moderate infestation followed by very light, light, heavy and very heavy infestation respectively. Besides these two lice, some other ectoparasites (ticks, mites and fleas) (5.31%) were also recorded casually but not used the data for prevalence.