Intestinal nematode infections in Turkish military dogs with special reference to Toxocara canis
Date
2006
Authors
Karabacak, Ayşe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge Univ Press
Abstract
The prevalence and potential zoonotic risk factors of intestinal nematodes of military working dogs, which are used for different military purposes, were assessed. Faecal samples from 352 defined-breed Turkish military dogs were investigated and 107 (30.4%) dogs were found to be infected with one or two nematode species. The following nematodes, with their respective prevalences, were diagnosed in the faecal samples: Toxascaris leonina (21.8%), Toxocara canis (13.3%), Trichuris vulpis (2.9%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (1.2%). Toxocara canis infections were more frequently seen in puppies (0-6 months old). The prevalence of T. canis was significantly higher in male than in female dogs and also higher in dogs which were exercised daily than in those without exercise. The highest prevalence was found in Belgian malinois breed dogs. Toxocara canis infections were not influenced by the floor type of the kennels (i.e. concrete or soil floor). There was no difference in the occurrence of T. canis infection when the last anthelmintic treatment was carried out less or more than 3 months prior to sampling. It is suggested that T. canis infected military dogs would be a threat not only for dog trainers but also for military personnel, notably during national and international operations.
Description
Keywords
Parasitology, Zoology, Age, Cats, State, Health, Helminths, Parasites, Prevalence, Uncinaria stenocephala, Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Nematoda, Canis familiaris
Citation
Şenlik, B. vd. (2006). ''Intestinal nematode infections in Turkish military dogs with special reference to Toxocara canis''. Journal of Helminthology, 80(3), 299-303.