The Prevalence of Parasite Eggs and Larvae in Stray Dogs’ Fecal Samples Collected from Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Mohammed1, Ahmed B.; Sulaiman, Lolaf I.

doi:10.21608/eajbse.2025.456479

The Prevalence of Parasite Eggs and Larvae in Stray Dogs’ Fecal Samples Collected from Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Cihan University-Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

² Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

10.21608/eajbse.2025.456479

Abstract

A significant number of zoonoses, such as cutaneous, visceral, and hydatidosis, are spread by stray dogs. Uncontrolled dog populations pose a serious threat to public health. Finding out how common intestinal helminthes parasites are in stray dogs in Zakho was the aim of this study. In dogs, intestinal parasites can result in anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Numerous internal parasite species found in dogs' intestines have the potential to cause zoonotic illnesses. 400 stray dog fecal samples were taken from the soil surface at 17 distinct locations in Zakho city between January and July of 2025 as part of the study. Before the data were statistically processed, the feces were inspected using the direct wet mount and sedimentation approach to look for parasite eggs. In this study, 61.25% (245/400) of the samples tested positive for at least one parasite, indicating a high overall prevalence of parasitic infection. At 33% of infections (132/400), Taenia species were the most found parasites. Strongyloides stercoralis came in second at 16.75% (67/400) and Toxocara spp. at 7.5% (30/400). At far lower percentages, ranging from 0.25% to 1.75%, other parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, undifferentiated nematode eggs, and Fasciola hepatica were found too. a p-value of less than 0.001 and a highly significant chi-square value (χ2=409.200). It became apparent that in order to lower the danger of disease in both humans and other animals, an educational program for Zakho dog owners should be created.

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