Factors influencing the prevalence and distribution of ticks and tick- borne pathogens among domestic animals in Malaysia

Changes in tick-vector densities and a resultant incidence of tick-borne diseases are caused mainly by human activities affecting the environmental ecosystem, especially in tropical countries. As one of the most important invertebrate arthropod vectors of disease transmission, ticks are susceptible to changes in their environment due to their sole dependence of all their life stages on prevailing environment. Upon completion of their lifecycle, ticks depend on the availability of hosts and other several factors related to their surroundings to survive. This review discusses the major factors that influence the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne diseases among domestic animals in Malaysia. It is highly imperative to understand the factors that lead to increase in tick-vector populations, infection intensity and hence the spatial distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in order to prevent their emergence and resurgence as well as to serve as a basis for effective control

Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria: Risk factors and zoonotic implications for human health

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors, and zoonotic implications of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 rectal fecal samples were collected from dogs in Maiduguri for coprological examination using the saturated sodium chloride floatation technique. Detection of eggs or oocyst was done on the basis of keys of identification of parasites based on the morphology and size of eggs or oocyst. Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs was 31.5% (63/200) in Maiduguri. The prevalence of the infection was higher in young, male dogs kept outdoor in terms of age, sex, and management; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The parasites detected in Maiduguri include Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Dipylidium spp., Isospora spp., and Taenia spp., with Ancylostoma spp. (16%) having the highest prevalence rate. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal parasites have high prevalence in Maiduguri and constitute potential risk to human health because all genera of parasites detected in the study area are of public health importance