[Occurrence of parasites in the alimentary canal of cats from Szczecin area, Poland].

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the average prevalence of cats with parasites in their alimentary canal in the area of Szczecin and to identify the parasite species in the alimentary canal in these animals. This research was carried on: domestic cats, stray cats and cats from the Animal Shelter and from the Animal Protection Society. Approximately, 3 grams of weight faeces was collected, and each sample was homogenized with a glass rod, examined with microscope, and then processed by flotation method of Willis-Schlaf. The average prevalence of cats with parasites in their alimentary canal was 33.65%. The highest prevalence was observed among stray cats (i. e., 57.14%) and among cats from the Animal Shelter (i. e., 42.18%); the lowest among domestic cats (i. e., 5.68%). The prevalence of infection among cats from the Animal Protection Society was 29.62%. The following parasites were observed: Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, Dipylidium caninum, Isospora sp. Toxocara cati was the most common parasite in cats from the Animal Shelter (i. e., 24.21%) and stray cats (i. e., 26.1%). The occurrence of this parasite was lowest among domestic cats (i. e., 1.13%). Toxascaris leonina occurred more frequently in domestic cats (i. e., 3.4%), while Dipylidium caninum was predominant in cats from the Animal Protection Society (i. e., 18.5%). The high prevalence of infections among cats from Animal Shelter was caused by the fact that these animals have been rarely de-wormed. De-worming of animals once a year is not effective. The low prevalence of infection among domestic cats can be explained by the facts that these cats were routinely de-wormed and had only limited access to outdoor environment. In order to prevent transmission of cat parasites it is mandatory to undertake preventive actions, such as: regular de-worming of animals, removal animals' faeces, and advertisement of de-worming among cat owners by distribution leaflets and brochures.