Parasites of stray and client-owned domestic cats in urban areas in Russia during 2000-2015 years

ABSTRACT

Cats are commonly infected by many species of parasites that includes helminths,protozoan parasites, mites and fleas. Parasites affect the health of cats and cause morbidityand mortality, especially in young and old animals. Some species such as Ancylostoma spp.,Opisthorchis felineus and Echinococcus spp. are well-known zoonotic parasites worldwide,that high public health risks. Currently of available data on prevalence of feline parasites inRussia, and published studies provide incomplete information regarding the period ofparasitological study, number of cats examined, origin, gender and life condition of examinedanimals. There are no official veterinary guidelines on parasitological examination available.Moreover low quality of veterinary monitoring and inadequate preventive measures has leadto the high rates of environmental contamination by infested cats’ feces containing helminthseggs and protozoan cysts. This paper reviews the knowledge on feline parasites fauna andthe prevalence in Russia. Practical aspects related to diagnosis, treatment, and controls ofparasitic diseases of cats in Russia are discussed.