RESUMO
Background: Canine infestation of ectoparasites is of medical and veterinary importance worldwide and in Iran due to transmission of pathogen agents
Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites in dogs of Gilanegharb suburb of Kermanshah province, Iran
Methods: A total of 138 dogs [93 sheepdogs and 45 watchdogs] were randomly selected and examined from March 2012 to May 2013. The body surface was investigated for ixodid ticks and removed along with the mouthparts. The mites were also removed directly from the skin and/or using skin scraping and then digested. Fleas and lice were collected from body surface of examined dogs and identified
Results: The results indicated that 65 sheepdogs [47.11%] and 43 watchdogs [31.16%] were infested with ectoparasites. There was a significant difference between prevalence and sex in dogs aged less than one-year-old [p<0.05]. The maximum and minimum ixodid ticks infestations were respectively for Rhipicephalus sanguineus [35.36%] and H. marginatum marginatum [3.06%]. Tick indices [number of tick per each animal] were 2.13 with the highest body distribution in ear [24.82%] of R. sanguineus [p<0.05]. The frequency of ixodid tick infestation was significantly higher in spring [33.82%] than other seasons. Thirty five dogs [25.14%] out of all examined dogs were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei [15.33%], Demodex canis [9.81%], Ctenocephaloides cams [6.52%], Pulex irritans [3.62%], and Trichodectes canis [4.35%]
Conclusions: From the results of the current study, it was concluded that there was species diversity in dogs' ectoparasites fauna which can be transmitted to humans and served as the carrier for spreading the infective agents in the region