Abstract
Free-roaming cat population estimates within the United States currently range from 10 to 114million individual cats. Zoonotic parasites of free-roaming cats are public health concerns; therefore, it is important to investigate the parasite prevalence in these populations. Seventy-six fecal samples from shelter cats in Citrus County, FL were surveyed for parasites using the Sheather's sugar centrifugal flotation method. The objective was to determine the prevalence of patent gastrointestinal parasitism in the sampled shelter cats as a proxy for parasite prevalence in the free-roaming cat populations in the area. Parasites identified with zoonotic potential include Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma sp., Spirometra sp., Mesocestoides sp., Cryptosporidium sp., and Giardia sp. Both tapeworms detected can infect humans, but are not directly transmissible from cats to people. Other parasite diagnostic stages found included Aonchotheca putorii eggs, Cystoisospora felis and Cystoisospora rivolta oocysts, and Sarcocystis sp. sporocysts. The mites Lynxacarus radovskyi and Notoedres cati were detected in feces likely from ingestion while grooming.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
