PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ECTOPARASITE INFESTATIONS IN DOGS FROM THE STATE OF TABASCO, MEXICO

This study was carried out to identify the ectoparasites that infest owned dogs in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. In total, 1,302 dogs were sampled in the 5 ecological regions of Tabasco. The dog owners were surveyed to identify the factors associated with infestations. Ectoparasites were identified using taxonomic keys. Eleven species of ectoparasites were observed. General prevalence was 26.65%. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis were the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasites. The most important factors associated with ectoparasite infestations in the studied dogs were living outdoors, being a non-purebred, having short hair, being dark-haired, and having a body condition <3. Ectoparasite studies such as the one presented herein generate important information to create control programs focused on decreasing infestations in companion animals and thus the likelihood of zoonotic transmission of pathogens.

Automated summary

This study identified ectoparasites infesting owned dogs in Tabasco, Mexico, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis being the most prevalent. Factors associated with infestations included living outdoors, being a non-purebred, having short hair, being dark-haired, and having a body condition <3, providing important information for control programs to reduce infestations and potential zoonotic transmission.