Abstract
Coprological examination was used to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of stray dogs impounded by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Durban and Coast, South Africa. Helminth and protozoan parasites were found in faeces of 240 dogs with an overall prevalence of 82.5% (helminth parasites 93.1% and protozoan parasites 6.9%). The following parasites and their prevalences were detected; Ancylostoma sp. (53.8%), Trichuris vulpis (7.9%), Spirocerca lupi (5.4%), Toxocara canis (7.9%), Toxascaris leonina (0.4%) Giardia intestinalis (5.6%) and Isospora sp. (1.3%). Dogs harbouring a single parasite species were more common (41.7%) than those harbouring 2 (15%) or multiple (2.1%) species. Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara canis and Giardia intestinalis have zoonotic potential and were detected in 66.7% of the samples.
Highlights
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are common pathogens in stray dogs and some are reservoirs of parasitic infections of humans, in urban areas and especially in informal urban areas
The prevalence of GI parasites in stray dogs is shown in Table 1 and indicates that 82.5 % of the dogs were infected by 8 genera and/or species
A large proportion of dogs had a low to medium intensity of infection by helminth parasites while the protozoan parasites had an evenly distributed intensity of infection and no dogs were recorded with intensity of infection >5000 oocysts/cysts per gram of faeces
Summary
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are common pathogens in stray dogs and some are reservoirs of parasitic infections of humans, in urban areas and especially in informal urban areas. Transmission may occur from dogs to humans directly or indirectly. The prevalence of GI parasites may vary due to several factors, including geographical region, level of veterinary care before straying and habits of the animal[7]. In most cities in developing countries control of stray dogs is practically nonexistent, resulting in an increased risk of exposure to zoonoses transmitted by these animals[19]. Several studies have demonstrated that stray dogs have a high prevalence of aSchool of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000 South Africa. BState Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture, PO Box 527, Umzimkulu, 3297 South Africa
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
