ORIGINAL ARTICLE Epidemiological Study of Non-systemic Parasitism in Dogs in Southeast Mediterranean Spain Assessed by Coprological and Post-mortem Examination C. Martı´nez-Carrasco, E. Berriatua, M. Garijo*, J. Martı´nez, F. D. Alonso and R. Ruiz de Yba ´n ˜ ez Parasitologı´a y Enfermedades de Parasitarias, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain Introduction The development of targeted parasite and parasitic disease control programmes is based on active monitoring of parasite distributions and identification of specific risk factors (Traub et al., 2005). It is particularly important for zoonotic pathogens in companion animals, specifically dogs, since they are commonly owned and have a unique and close relationship with humans. To date more than 60 pathogens are known to potentially cross the species barrier and infect both dogs and humans (Macpherson, 2005). A variety of such parasites have been shown to be endemic in dogs in several regions in Spain, including protozoa, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp., nematoda like Toxocara spp. and cestoda like Echinococcus spp (Arriolabengoa et al., 1992; Causape ´ et al., 1996; Benito et al., 2006; Martı ´nez-Moreno et al., 2007; Miro ´ et al., 2007). Parasite distribution is dynamic and depends on a vari- ety of constantly changing environmental-, host- and parasite-related factors that affect parasite exposure and susceptibility to infection. Consequently, parasite and parasitic disease surveillance must be an ongoing task performed at a local and regional level. Surveillance must consider the unique population features, the limitations of diagnostic tests, and independent risk factors in multi- variate statistical modelling (Robertson et al., 2000; Traub et al., 2005). There is very little epidemiological information on dog parasitism in the Spanish Mediterranean coastal regions. This part of Europe is particularly important epidemio- logically given the constant flow of pets associated with Keywords: Parasites; dogs; Murcia; Spain; epidemiology Correspondence: Dr Eduardo Berriatua. Parasitologı´a y Enfermedades de Parasitarias, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain. Tel.: +34 968363997; Fax: +34 968364741; E-mail: berriatu@um.es *Present address: Departamento de Atencio ´ n Sanitaria, Salud Pu ´ blica y Salud Animal. Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud. Universidad San Pablo-CEU. Edificio Seminario, s/n. 460113, Moncada, Valencia (Espan ˜ a), Spain. Received for publication November 27, 2006 Summary The prevalence and risk factors of non-systemic canine ecto- and endoparasit- ism and anthelminthic use in Murcia located at the centre of the Spanish Medi- terranean coastal arch, was investigated by coprology and necropsy in up to 275 pet, city shelter and stray dogs in 2001–2004. Faecal parasite stages were detec- ted in 25% of dogs. Species frequency was 6–10% for Toxocara canis, Ancylosto- matidae spp., Toxascaris leonina and Isospora canis, and 0.4–1% for Trichuris vulpis, Giardia lamblia, and Dipylidium caninum. Logistic regression indicated that the risk of intestinal parasitism was highest for dogs £1 year old, in the middle to low weight range and kept at the city shelter. Although risk factors varied according to the species, T. canis was most common in <1 year old and Ancylostomatidae spp. was more prevalent in older dogs. This suggests that the dominant species was Uncinaria spp. and not the more zoonotically important Ancylostoma spp. This was further supported by necropsy findings; however, the degree of agreement between post-mortem and coprological examination for intestinal parasites was generally poor. Necropsy revealed 10% G. lamblia, 12% Taenia spp. 38% D. caninum infections. Fleas, ticks and lice were also found in 38%, 6% and 2% of necropsied stray dogs. These results demonstrate the need for an urgent parasite control programme at the city dog shelter and the need to improve the owner’s education on zoonotic risks, the proper use of anthelminthics, and other parasite control practices. Zoonoses and Public Health ª 2007 The Authors Journal compilation ª 2007 Blackwell Verlag • Zoonoses Public Health. 54 (2007) 195–203 195