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

Abstract

Due to the increasing cohabitation of humans with infected animals, such as pets or wildlife, human infection with helminthic parasites has become an important 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 87 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 sectioned and examined macroscopically for helminth parasitic infections. Isolated helminth species were morphologically identified using a valid identification key. The results showed that thatsp. was the most prevalent helminth species, with a frequency of 30 in canids (34.5%), including 8 red foxes (, 53.33%), 12 jackals (, 48%), and 10 stray dogs (, 21.3%). In addition, a high frequency ofwas observed in 13 canines (14.9%), including 2 foxes (13%), 4 jackals (16%), and 7 wild dogs (14.9%). The prevalence ofwas reported in 9 canines (10.3%), including 1 jackal (4%) and 8 wild dogs (17.02%). The results of this study indicate thatsp. is the most common helminth species in canids. Our findings indicate that canines in Iran serve as both intermediate and final definitive hosts for several harmful parasites, posing a risk to humans and animals health. Further research and interventions are needed to better understand the transmission dynamics and to develop effective strategies for helminth control in canids.