Survey on canine’s helminthic parasites infection from Mughan plain in Ardabil province, Iran

AbstractDue to the increasing cohabitation of humans with infected animals, such as pets or wildlife, human infection with helminthic parasites has become a significant emerging health concern. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of helminthic parasite infections in canines in the Mughan Plain area of Ardabil Province, Iran.A total of ۸۷ samples were collected from different canines, including stray dogs, foxes, and jackals, in the Mughan Plain area of Ardabil Province, Iran. The organs of the animals were sliced and examined macroscopically for helminth parasitic infections. Isolated helminth species were morphologically identified using a valid identification key. The results revealed that Mesocestoides sp. was the most prevalent helminth species, with a frequency of ۳۰ in canids (۳۴.۵%), including ۸ red foxes (Vulpes vulpes, ۵۳.۳۳%), ۱۲ jackals (Canis aureus, ۴۸%), and ۱۰ stray dogs (Canis familiaris, ۲۱.۳%). Additionally, a high frequency of Toxascaris leonina was observed in ۱۳ canines (۱۴.۹%), including ۲ foxes (۱۳%), ۴ jackals (۱۶%), and ۷ wild dogs (۱۴.۹%). The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus was reported in ۹ canines (۱۰.۳%), including ۱ jackal (۴%) and ۸ wild dogs (۱۷.۰۲%). The results of this study indicate that Mesocestoides sp. is the most prevalent helminth species among canids. Our findings demonstrate that canines in Iran serve as both intermediate and definitive hosts for several harmful parasites, posing a risk to the health of humans and animals. Further research and interventions are needed to better understand the transmission dynamics and develop effective strategies for helminth control in canids.

Keywords:

Stray dog , Foxes , Jackals , Helminthic parasites , Iran