Survey of dirofilariasis among dogs in seremban, Malaysia

Abstract

A total of 370 dogs from the District Veterinary Office in Seremban, Malaysia, was examined for dirofilariasis. An overall incidence of infection of 32.4% was observed, but pure bred dogs showed a slightly higher incidence of infection (39.2%) and a higher parasitaemia, whereas mixed bred dogs were less frequently infected (27.4%) and usually had a lower parasitaemia. In addition, short-haired pedigree dogs such as boxers, Dobermanns, dachshunds and bulldogs were generally more frequently infected and showed a higher parasitaemia than longer-haired pedigree dogs, such as Alsatians, spaniels and terriers. There was no significant difference in distribution of infection among dogs of different sexes and age groups.