The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and other parasites in urban pound dogs in north-eastern Victoria.
The results of a survey investigating the prevalence of dirofilaria immitis and other helminth and protozoan infections in urban dogs in north-eastern Victoria are presented. D. immitis was detected in 2.7% of the general population (8.3% of dogs older than 2 years). Microfilariae of D. immitis were not detected in the peripheral circulation of 30% of dogs infected with the adult parasites. The most prevalent gastro-intestinal parasites were Dipylidium caninum 57%; Trichuris vulpis 41%; Toxocara canis 38%; and Uncinaria stenocephala 26%. The prevalence of T. canis in dogs less than one year of age was 73% and this decreased with increasing age. No Echinococcus granulosus adults were detected. Sarcocystis spp and isospora ohioensis were the most commonly seen coccidians.
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006374:Helminthiasis, Animal; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D011529:Protozoan Infections, Animal