Internal and external parasites prevalence of domestic cats in Konya province

Abstract

Parasitic diseases caused by helminths, protozoa and ectoparasites endanger both animal and human health by causing clini- cal changes and transmitting potentially infectious pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parasitic diseases in domestic cats brought to Selçuk University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital (SUVFAH) between 2015 and 2021. In this context, a total of 828 samples, including 743 cat faeces and 85 cat skin samples sent to the laboratory of the Department of Parasitology were examined. In the study, 37.56% (311/828) of domestic cats were infected with at least one parasite species and single (43.67%), double (2.81%) and triple (0.27%) mixed internal parasite infections were determined. This study revea- led that Giardia duodenalis (34.72%, 258/743), Isospora spp. (3.36%, 25/743), and Entamoeba histolytica (0.27%, 2/743) as the most common protozoan parasites, while Toxocara spp. (1.62%, 12/743), Joyeuxiella spp. (1.08%, 8/743), and Dipylidium caninum (0.27%, 2/743) were the predominant helminths among the sampled cats. Otodectes cynotis, the only ectoparasite species, was detected in 1.7% (2/85). Although the cats enrolled in the study were owned house cats, it was observed that the rates of internal and external parasites were high. Pet owners should take responsibility to prevent parasite infections/infes- tations in pets. Especially indoor cats with access to the street can be a source of many parasitic agents with zoonotic proper- ties. Domestic cats should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and antiparasitic applications should be made regularly.