Studies on ectoparasites of stray dogs in Ismailia City

In this study, a total of 50 stray dogs of different ages and sexes were captured from different areas of Ismailia City and examined for ectoparasites. The detected ectoparasites were six species of arthropods (one tick, three fleas, one louse, and one dipteran fly species). All the examined dogs were infested with at least one species of ectoparasites. The most prevalent ectoparasite was Ctenocephalides canis flea (100%), followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick (60%), chewing lice (Heterodoxus spiniger) (46%), Ctenocephalides felis flea (44%), Hippobosca longipennis fly (16%) and Echidnophaga gallinacea flea which was detected in 4% of examined dogs. Mixed ectoparasitic infestation with two or more ectoparasites was higher (84%) than single infestation (16%), with the most common combination (fleas and ticks) reaching 28%. The prevalence of Heterodoxus spiniger was significantly higher (p<0.01) in young dogs than adult ones, while Hippobosca longipennis prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.05) in adult dogs than young ones. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in ectoparasite prevalence in relation to sexes. In conclusion, stray dogs in Ismailia City carry many ectoparasites that can be transmitted to companion dogs and act as vectors of many diseases affecting dogs and humans.