Prevalence of intestinal helminths of household dogs and cats and perception of related zoonoses by owners in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

In Malaysia, with the increasing number of companion animals, there is more contact between domestic animals and people, exposing humans to various zoonotic agents. The lack of awareness among pet owners on potential zoonotic diseases harboured by their pets puts them in higher risk of exposure. This study was aimed to update the prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths in pet dogs and cats in Ipoh area and to know the level of awareness on parasite zoonoses among pet owners. Identification of intestinal helminth ova was done using the simple floatation technique. The survey of 62 dogs and 17 cats revealed the prevalence rates for intestinal helminths as follow: In dogs, Ancylostoma spp. (27.4%), Toxocara spp. (8.1%) and Trichuris vulpis (3.2%). In cats, only Ancylostoma spp. (47.1%). The overall prevalence of parasitism in both dogs and cats was 38%. Risk calculation revealed that prevalence of parasitism especially toxocariasis was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the less than 6-months age group. Ancylostomiasis prevalence was less affected by the age factor. Dogs which were walked by their owners were five times more at risk of being infected with helminths. Of the 79 owners interviewed, only 33% dewormed their pets more than twice per year. Most owners (33%) spent two hours a day with their pets. More than half of the owners allowed their pets to lick or kiss their face and enter their bedrooms while 34% of them slept with their pets. Lastly, half (51%) of the owners were aware of pet-associated zoonotic parasites. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in pet dogs and cats in Ipoh area is considered high while the perception of zoonoses among owners is moderate.

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