Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites infection in Domestic Cats and Dogs in Diyala Province

Abstract

Background: Cases of canine and feline have increased in the last few years in Iraq. Companion dogs and cats, act as reservoir hosts for several species of gastrointestinal protozoa and helminths that can spread to humans.
Aims: The study aimed to investigation of gastrointestinal parasites infection in cats and dogs and effect of gastrointestinal parasites infection on sex , age and breed of cats and dogs.
Material and Methods: A number of 50 domesticated dogs and cats (25 of each) with GI parasites infection sent to laboratory to evaluated for the presence of GI protozoa and helminthes,which collected in aseptic conditions from rectum of each animal by sterile swabs from first of January 2021 to last of March 2021.
Results: Clinically cats and dogs infected by gastrointestinal parasite represented by depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea with mucus and blood or melena in cases of GI Protozoa infection., The microscopic examination represented by Giardia duodenalis Isospora sp, Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis . Relation of percentage of GI parasite infection with sex , age groups and breed of cats and dogs show significant difference at (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study show significantly a relation of percentage of GI parasite infection with age , sex and breed of cats and dogs. Anthelmintics drug effect on GI parasites and decrease the percentage of infection rate.Dogs and cats were found to harbor several species of parasites, posing a significant zoonotic risk to humans.