Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azarbaijan, Iran
Abstract
Keywords
Main Subjects
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Ectoparasites are organisms that live on the external surfaces of vertebrates, including dogs, feeding from them. They can have significant pathogenic effects and may cause illness or even death, depending on factors such as the intensity of parasitism, the nutritional status of the host, and the host's immune condition. Additionally, ectoparasites can act as vectors for various infectious agents, including Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp.*, Borrelia spp., and Yersinia pestis. They may also serve as intermediate hosts for filarids and cestodes, leading to severe diseases in dogs and humans who come into contact with them. Some ectoparasites, particularly fleas, can infest humans, potentially causing dermatitis and transmitting vector-borne diseases. Conditions like canine sarcoptic mange and flea infestations can directly result in itchy skin lesions in humans. Identifying these ectoparasites and understanding their distribution is crucial for developing effective control programs and strategies. Despite the significant dog population in Urmia, information on ectoparasites affecting domestic dogs in the area is limited. This study aims to identify and assess the prevalence of ectoparasites found in dogs in Urmia.
Materials and Methods
The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites in dogs in Urmia. The city shares borders with Iraq and Türkiye and has a semi-arid climate, with average temperatures reaching 28.3 °C in August and dropping to -5 °C in January. A total of 138 dogs (39 stray dogs, 99 sheepdogs, and 21 pets) were randomly selected and examined from July 2022 to July 2023. Data on age, sex, body weight, living environment, clinical signs, and season were recorded. The dogs' body surfaces were thoroughly examined for ectoparasites, including ticks, mites, lice, and fleas. Ticks were removed directly from the dogs' skin for identification and were transferred to a parasitology laboratory for analysis based on identification keys.
Results
The study revealed that out of the 138 dogs examined, 57 (41.30%) were infested with ectoparasites. Among these, 32 dogs (56.14%) were infested with ticks, 16 (28.07%) with mites, 5 (8.77%) with fleas, and 4 (7.01%) with lice. There was a significant difference in ectoparasite infestation on the sex and age of the dogs examined (p < 0.05). The highest infestation was detected in the spring season.
A total of 145 adult ticks from the Ixodidae were collected from 32 dogs (56.14%), specifically, 26 sheepdogs and 6 stray dogs. The identified hard tick genera included Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Within these genera, three species were identified: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (67.14%), Rhipicephalus bursa (31.48%), and Hyalomma marginatum (1.38%). The highest tick infestations were noted in the spring, especially from the ears of the dogs.
In addition, 16 dogs (28.07%) were found to have mite infections, including Sarcoptes scabiei and Demodex canis. Concurrent infections were observed in four dogs (three dogs had co-infections of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Demodex canis, and also with Sarcoptes scabiei and Rhipicephalus bursa).
The study also identified 89 fleas, including Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans, from five dogs (8.77%) that exhibited clinical symptoms of itching (three sheepdogs, one stray dog, and one pet dog). Additionally, 45 Trichodectes canis were isolated from four dogs (7.01%) during the winter season.
Conclusion
The results indicate that ectoparasites are prevalent among dogs in this studied region and have the potential to be transmitted to humans, serving as vectors for infectious agents. Therefore, interventions focusing on the provision of veterinary care and the prevention and management of parasite infestations in endemic areas would help reduce the health risks associated with ectoparasitic infestations in dogs.
Farnaz Malekifard, Bijan Esmaeilnejad, and Somayyeh Shirzadfar contributed to conception, design, data collection, statistical analysis, and drafting of the manuscript. All authors approved the final version for submission.
This article contains all the data that were created or evaluated during the research.
The authors would like to sincerely thank the members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Urmia University Research Council for the approval and support of this research.
All of the protocols were approved by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's Committee on the Ethics of Animal Experiments at Urmia University (IR-UU-AEC-3/89).
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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