A Survey of Intestinal Helminths of Dogs in Slovakia with an Emphasis on Zoonotic Species

Abstract

Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide; however, close contact with people increases the risk of transmission of different zoonotic parasites. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs in Slovakia. A total of 495 faecal samples collected from pet, shelter, guard, working (police), and hunting dogs, as well as dogs from segregated Roma settlements between 2016 and 2021, were examined using flotation and molecular methods. Eggs of intestinal helminths were detected in 134 (27.1%) samples. Microscopically, six different species/genera/families, namely, Toxocara canis (14.7%), Toxascaris leonina (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (6.3%), Capillaria spp. (1.4%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (8.3%), and taeniid eggs (4.0%), were recorded. Molecular analyses revealed infection with Echinococcus multilocularis in 2.2% of dogs and 0.4% of the animals were infected with Taenia hydatigena. The results showed a correlation between the occurrence of intestinal helminths and the availability of veterinary care, as dogs from Roma settlements and shelter dogs were the most often infected (66.7% and 39.2%, respectively). On the other hand, working animals were in the best health condition, with only 2.5% being positive. The relatively frequent occurrence of zoonotic species points to the constant need for preventive measures and regular deworming of dogs.

Free-ranging rural dogs are highly infected with helminths, contaminating environment nine times more than urban dogs

“…Regardless of the efficient anthelmintics available and the control measures taken by owners and veterinarians, gastrointestinal parasites, especially helminth infections are still abundant in dogs (Tylkowska et al , 2010; Kostopoulou et al , 2017; Roussel et al , 2019; Strube et al , 2019). Free-ranging dogs in urban and rural areas can be an important source of helminth infection (Laurimaa et al , 2015a; Knapp et al , 2018; Jarošová et al , 2021). They may come into contact with carcasses or scats of red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), raccoon dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ), European badger ( Meles meles ) and other wild animals infected with helminths of zoonotic potential, facilitating helminth transmission from wildlife to humans.…”

Grassland versus forest dwelling rodents as indicators of environmental contamination with the zoonotic nematode Toxocara spp.

“…The latter two species are considered the primary source of environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs 13 , and a study conducted by Cisek et al suggests that T. canis is common in domestic dogs (2.67–55%) and red foxes (43%) in NE Poland 69 . However, free-roaming, not-dewormed stray dogs may also be a source of infection and data show that they are more frequently infected with T. canis than domestic dogs 70 . An anthropogenic environment therefore facilitates Toxocara transmission due to the high density of canids, mostly kept as pets.…”

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Owned Dogs in Serbia: Prevalence and Risk Factors

“…"Hunting dogs" are animals owned and maintained by hunters, assisting in locating, chasing, and recovering prey during hunting activities. The "guard dogs" category comprises dogs protecting property in yards, with controlled or partially controlled movement [12].…”

“…Various studies conducted worldwide report a high prevalence of different types of parasites in the category of owned dogs [2,7,[10][11][12]. Accordingly, they may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites and can contaminate soil with the infectious stages of the parasites, such as the eggs and larvae of helminths, as well as the cysts of protozoa [13][14][15][16][17].…”