Zoonotic parasite frequency in homebound and feral dogs in Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To describe and compare the frequency in which different parasites infect homebound and feral dogs, in the localities of the municipality of Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to determine the presence of ectoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites, a sampling was carried out from August 2019 to July 2020, in localities of Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico. A total of 500 samplings of faeces from homebound and feral dogs were gathered. Results: The general parasitosis samples had a 39% frequency (95% IC: 34.8-43.34%). Out of 325 samples obtained from homebound dogs, 134 (41.2%) tested positive (95% IC: 36.0-46.6%). Meanwhile, 175 samples were taken from feral dogs and 61 samples (34.8%) had at least one egg (95% IC: 28.1-42.1%). More than one type of parasite was found in 110 samples. The presence of parasites reached 48.8% in females (95% IC: 43.3-54.4%), while the percentage in males reached 66.4% (95% IC: 59.5-72.80%). Study Limitations/Implications: The main limitation of this cross-sectional study is that data was gathered during a certain period (neutering/spaying campaigns). Therefore, the results may vary, if the same population is analyzed in another period. Findings/Conclusions: The Ancylostoma sp. + Toxocara sp. association had the highest Relative Risk and Cross-Product Ratio in 5-60-month-old homebound male dogs. Regarding the age group, 0-4-month-old animals had the highest parasitosis frequencies. New studies on this subject must be carried out to achieve a more exhaustive evaluation of the health status of homebound dogs, focusing on issues such as vaccination status, the interval between de-worming treatments, and the presence of parasites. Feral and semi-homebound dogs must also be included in the studies