Epidemiological assessment of intestinal parasitic infections in dogs at animal shelter in Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: To determine the prevalence of infection with intestinal parasites in 101 dogs in an animal shelter in Veracruz, Mexico, and investigate whether any general characteristics of the dogs were associated with infections. Methods: Parasitological examination of fecal samples from the dogs was performed by means of centrifuge-flotation using Sheather's sucrose and zinc sulfate flotation media. In addition, hematocrit was determined in each canine blood sample. Results: Intestinal parasites were found in 99 (98.0%) of the 101 dogs studied. About five different intestinal parasites were identified: Ancylostoma caninum in 89 dogs (88.1%), Giardia canis in 46 (45.5%), Uncinaria stenocephala in 43 (42.6%), Trichuris vulpis in 19 (18.8%) and Strongyloides canis in 16 (15.8%). Multivariate analysis showed: 1) Giardia infection was associated with young age and mixed breed; 2) Ancylostoma was associated with young age and no rabies vaccination; and 3) Strongyloides was associated with no rabies vaccination. Uncinaria and Trichuris infections were not associated with the variables assessed. Conclusions: A high prevalence of intestinal parasites was found in the dogs studied. This suggests that the environment is highly contaminated with intestinal parasites. Preventive and therapeutic measures should be taken against infection with intestinal parasites in dogs in this region

PREVALENCE OF BOVINE CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN THREE ECOLOGICAL REGIONS FROM THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle from three ecological regions in the central area of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, was determined. A transversal study was conducted in 72 calves 3 to 12 months old from six production units from the municipalities of Zentla, Tlacotalpan and Manlio F. Altamirano. Fecal samples were collected from the calves and analyzed using the Kinyoun stain technique. Overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was 73.6 %, and by municipality it was 66.7 % in Zentla, 75 % in Tlacotalpan, and 79.2 % in Manlio F. Altamirano. Prevalence by age was 72.4 % in calves 3 months old and 74.4 % in calves 6 to 12 months old. Prevalence was higher in females (78.7 %) than in males (45.5 %). Prevalence by breed was 78.8 % in Brown Swiss/Zebu, 83.3 % in Brown Swiss, 50 % in Holstein/Zebu, and 50 % in Brown Swiss/Holstein, with no difference among crosses (P > 0.05). There was no association among infection by Cryptosporidium spp. and sex, breed, age and ecological region. In conclusion, Cryptosporidium spp. is present in the dual purpose cattle production systems in the three municipalities studied located in the central region of Veracruz, Mexico

Occurrence of Amblyomma mixtum on the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Mexico

The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an Asian species of bovine that was introduced in Mexico in 1992 as an alternative for milk and meat production. To date, no surveys have been conducted to identify ticks acquired by water buffaloes since their arrival in the country. Here we report, for the first time, the presence of Amblyomma mixtum, a neotropical tick in the Amblyomma cajennense complex, found on water buffaloes from Mexico and discuss its possible implications in veterinary public health for the region. Keywords: New host, Amblyomma mixtum, Mexico, Water buffal