Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the intestinal parasites infection status in dogs and cats in Tangshan area. Methods  A total of 198 stool samples were randomly collected from dogs and cats fed in houses in downtown communities(Meiyili and Beixinli) of Tangshan city as well as local pet markets and Rescue Shelter for Stray Animals. All fecal samples were microscopically observed with direct smear and saturated brine flotation technique for detecting the eggs, cysts, oocysts and trophozoites of intestinal parasites. Results  In 24 positive fecal samples from dogs and cats, six species of intestinal parasites were identified, including Toxocara canis, canine hookworms, coccidia in dogs, Isospora ,Clonorchis sinensis, Giardia lamblia. The total infection rate was 15.04% in dogs and 8.24% in cats, and individual infection rate was 8.00% for domestic dogs and cats, 3.64% for canine and feline from the pet market, and 16.95% for those from the Rescue Shelter for Stray Animals. Conclusion Intestinal parasites appear highly prevalent in dogs and cats living in Tangshan city, suggesting that risks of zoonotic parasitic disease may exist in our population.

Key words: Intestinal parasite, Infection, Dogs, Cats