Parasitic Infections in an Animal Shelter

Svobodova V. : Parasitic Infections in an Animal Shelter. Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 415-420. The aim of the present study was to monitor the circulation of parasitic infections and the general parasitological situation in the environment of a shelter for dogs and cats during routine operation. The study was performed during a 3-month period in a shelter with capacity of 30 animals. We regularly examined the haircoat of sheltered animals for the occurrence of fleas. At the same time samples of dog faeces were collected for parasitological examination. The animals were treated with selamectin (Stronghold) for protection against parasites. The preparation reduced the flea population and it also proved highly effective against ascarids in dogs and cats. We detected an infection with other parasites (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia sp., Trichuris vulpis, Giardia lamblia) and treated the positive animals accordingly with 5 mg kg -1 of praziquantel and 50 mg kg -1 of fenbendazole during three days (Caniquantel Plus). The study indicated that protection against parasites in shelters for animals needs more complex measures than in households with individually kept dogs and cats. Dog, cat, parasites, fleas, control The occurrence of fleas and other parasites is a continuous challenge for animal shelters. In order to manage the situation it is necessary to administer effective drugs and to maintain a high level of hygiene. Due to the facts that appropriate measures require much time and that groups of animals in shelters are constantly changing because of continuous migration of the animals, parasitic infections are considered to be an inherent factor of the environment of animal shelters. Flea infestation does not mean only discomfort for the animals but it may also cause anaemia especilly in juvenile and weak individuals. Together with the stress often experienced by the animal before sheltering, the condition may lead to generalized distress. From the infested individuals fleas may quickly spread to other animals in the shelter. Dogs and cats sheltered for a long period may also manifest allergic reactions to flea bites. This results in deteriorated hair quality. Poor aesthetic appearance of an affected animal reduces its chances for adoption. Moreover, fleas are also the most frequent and most important intermediate hosts of the tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum). In the environment with higher concentration of animals the spread of the infection with this tapeworm can be very fast. Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) is the currently most widespread species. It can be found in dogs, cats and frequently also in humans. The fleas disturb the staff of the shelters and may discourage potential new owners from adopting a sheltered animal. The occurrence of internal parasitic infections is also very frequent due to continuous migration of the animals. More significant clinical manifestations may also occur as a result of the preceding history. Contamination of the environment with eggs and cysts of parasites facilitates re-infection of the animals and poses a risk for humans since zoonotic parasites are commonly found in animal shelters. Infected dogs and cats are involved in further spread of parasites and thus endanger their new owners.