Gastrointestinal parasites are among the most common parasitic infections found in stray cats, which might act potential helminthic parasites to domestic cats. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray cats in the city of Azarshahr, which is located in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 necropsied stray cats, trapped and collected from different geographic regions of Azarshahr. From a total 50 stray cats examined, 15 (30 %) were female and 35 (70 %) were male. Overall 47 cats (94 %) were identified as infected with at least one of the endoparasites. The prevalence of parasites found were: Taenia taeniaeformis (60 %), Dipylidium caninum (58 %), Taenia hydatigera (24 %), Mesocestoides lineatus (78 %), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (14 %), Toxascaris leonina (30 %), Toxocara cati (78 %), Physaloptera praeputialis (10 %), and Syphacia obvelata (10 %). Contamination rate for zoonotic parasites of cat was greater than expected in AzarShahr region. Therefore, appropriate control measures should be taken and preventive methods should be applied.

To investigate anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in stray dogs living in Urmia city, 135 blood samples were collected. Serum samples were screened for detection of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; >or=50). Antibodies were seen in 36 (27%) of 135 dogs. The IFAT antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 in 16 dogs, 1:100 in ten dogs, 1:200 in six dogs, 1:400 in one dog, 1:800 in two dogs, and 1:1,600 in one dog. There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection between different genders (p > 0.05). The seropositive results were increased with age and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results confirm the presence and exposure of stray dogs to N. caninum in Urmia city and the importance of this protozoan as a cause of disease in dogs of the region.

Objective: Ectoparasitism is an important factor associated with the poor production of indigenous chickens. The present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and ectoparasite diversity in indigenous chickens of the Dalahu region in the western part of Kermanshah province, Iran. Methods: A total of 600 indigenous chickens (250 roosters and 350 hens) were randomly examined for the presence of different ectoparasites over the period April to September 2011. Ectoparasites were collected from different parts of chicken body using a hand lens, magnifying glass, and flashlights. The samples were preserved in 70% alcohol and cleared in lactophenol. Results: The overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 52.8% (66% hens and 34.4% roosters) (p<0.001). Mixed infestation was noted in 70.34% of the chickens. The prevalence was significantly higher in young (66.3%) animals compared with older animals (39.33%) (p<0.001). Five species of ectoparasites were identified: Menopon gallinae (35.3%), Menacanthus stramineus (26.7%), Argas persicus (19%), Dermanyssus gallinae (11%), and Echidnophaga gallinacea (the "sticktight flea") (8%). Conclusion:The results of the present investigation reveal that ectoparasite infestation is prevalent in this area. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the effects of the ectoparasites on indigenous chicken health and production in the region (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2016; 40: 13-6 (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2016; 40: 13-6).

Knowledge on neosporosis and associated risk factors in different species of animals are so important for designing the control programs and reduce the economic losses globally. This literature review targeted for evaluating the infection rate of Neospora caninum in animals in Iran. Until April 2020, all of published documents in the main English and Persian-language databases were searched. A total number of 110 documents (English = 85 and Persian = 25) were extracted. Most of reports were seroepidemiological studies using ELISA in Iranian cattle population. The range of Neospora infection was 3.8-76.2% in cattle, 0-54.6% in dogs, 0.9-9.9% in sheep, 6.2% in goats, 19.2-55.9% in buffaloes, 20-42.2% in horses, 52% in donkeys, 3.2-27% in camels, 14% and 19% in cats, and 0-20.4% in rodents. This rate in birds was 17.3% in chicken, 9.8% and 30.4% in pigeons, 2.8% and 3.7% in sparrows, and 9.9% in hooded crows. This is a comprehensive literature review on Neospora infection in Iran at the first time. The infection of N. caninum is widespread in Iran especially in dogs and cattle population. This review can provide baseline information for future research. Study on other hosts especially on wild and exotic animals is recommended for exact estimate of neosporosis in Iran. Investigations into molecular diagnosis and genotyping of N. caninum strains are also needed; this will be helpful for developing vaccines and finding the connection among wild and domestic cycles of disease. Education on the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection for is suggested farmers and rural public. Keywords Neospora caninum Á Neosporosis Á Animal Á Bird Á Risk factor Á Review article Á Iran

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