The prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites of stray and refuge dogs in four locations in India
Introduction
Canine gastrointestinal parasites can be divided into three broad categories; those of veterinary importance, for example Spirocerca lupi, those of public health importance, for example Echinococcus granulosus and those that produce morbidity in both canines and humans, namely hookworms and Toxocara canis. All three categories of gastrointestinal parasites are known to be endemic in India (Traub et al., 2005), especially among stray and semi-domesticated dogs. These parasites may be transmitted to humans either directly, through the ingestion of infective stages via close contact with a dog; or indirectly, through skin penetration or ingestion of infective stages in the environment, including those that may be food- or water-borne.
Although investigated, there appears to be a lack of widely accessible up-to-date information available on the prevalence and distribution of canine gastrointestinal parasites in India. The population of stray or community dogs in India is estimated as high as 20 million, despite efforts to curb numbers through sterilisation campaigns (Menezes, 2008). These uncared for animals not only pose an important source of parasites for the 5 million-odd ‘owned’ or ‘pet’ dogs, but also for the general public.
There is substantial evidence to show that canine intestinal parasites are a public health concern in India particularly in relation to hydatid disease, toxocarosis and zoonotic ancylostomosis (reviewed by Traub et al., 2005).
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites of veterinary and public health importance in stray dogs from four distinct geographical and climatic locations in India, the north-east (Sikkim), far north (Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir), north (Delhi) and west (Mumbai).
Section snippets
Study sites and sampling
The study was stratified to include four climatic zones, wet tropical (Mumbai), semi-arid (Delhi), arid mountainous (Leh, Ladakh) and humid temperate (Gangtok, Sikkim) based on information produced by The World Meteorological Organisation.
Field work for this project was conducted between June and September 2008 with in-kind support provided by veterinary charity-based organisations conducting animal birth control programmes in Ladakh, Sikkim, Delhi and Mumbai (Vets Beyond Borders, Jeevasharam,
Results
Of 411 dogs sampled, 42% were entire female, 38% entire male, 13% sterilised female and 7% castrated male. The majority of dogs were adults (81.2%), followed by juveniles (11.1%), geriatrics (6.1%) and pups (1.2%). Most of the dogs sampled were classified as stray (89%).
Discussion
Stray and refuge dogs from all four locations were commonly infected with one or more gastrointestinal parasite. In addition to having implications on animal (including companion animal) and public health, transmission of canine parasites to livestock may also have economic impacts.
Hookworms and S. lupi were found to be the most common gastrointestinal parasites identified in dogs from Mumbai, Delhi and Sikkim. From a veterinary perspective, both parasites cause considerable morbidity and
Conclusions
Stray dogs in India's cities continue to represent a source of environmental contamination with infective stages of gastrointestinal parasites that pose a zoonotic risk to the public and a source of parasites for well-cared for pets. In particular, owners of pet animals exposed to these environments must be extra vigilant about deworming their animals and maintaining strict standards of household and personal hygiene.
Vaccination and neutering programmes implemented towards the control of rabies
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