Canine heartworm in southeastern of Iran with review of disease distribution

Heartworm [Dirofilaria immitis] is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran. From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology. Out of 120 dogs, 29 [24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%] were positive, serologically. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5% [95% CI: 24.7-32.5%] and 15.15% [95% CI: 12.3-20.7%], respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs [P=0.295]. Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season [autumn and winter] which was not significant. The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs [53.8%] was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old [27.3%] . It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now

Study on small ruminant lungworms and associated risk factors in northeastern Iran

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the prevalence, identify the species involved and assess possible risk factors of lungworm infection in small ruminant slaughtered in abattoir of Mashhad in the northeast of Iran from October 2010-August 2011.@*METHODS@#Faecal and post mortem examination were conducted on 350 and 2 500 animals, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The overall prevalence of lungworm infection was 10.85% and 3.80% in coproscopic and post mortem examination respectively, and this difference was found to be significant. Higher prevalence of lungworm infection was recorded in post mortem examination in sheep (4.1%) than in goats (0.5%) (P< 0.05). The proportion of infection with Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens and mixed infection were 3.7%, 0.1% and 0.2% in sheep while in goats, the infection was reported with Dictyocaulus filaria (0.5%) only. The seasonal dynamics of lungworm infection showed that prevalence was highest in winter (7.8%) with a remarkable decline during the dry time (summer) (0.8%) which the difference was significant (P<0.001). The animals of less than one year old showed greater infection in post mortem examination than older animals significantly (P<0.001). Also, the infection rate between male and female animals showed significant difference (P<0.05) with prevalence rate of 4.6% and 2.0%, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Due to its impact on production, emphasis should be given for the control and prevention of lungworm infection in this area.