Prevalence of Helminth infections in stray dogs in Bingöl province according to fecal examinations and their zoonotic importance

The theme of dogs and humans has a history spanning thousands of years and continues to the present day. Initially, wild wolves that fed on human leftovers gradually became accustomed to human presence, laying the foundations of the human-dog relationship. As a result of humans' selective breeding interventions on dogs, breeds that are more domesticated than their ancestors and vary in shape and size have been developed. Today, especially in countries where stray animals are free to roam, it is possible to observe the integration of this companionship into daily life. The human-dog relationship has inevitably brought with it many zoonotic diseases as well. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminth infections and their zoonotic significance in stray dogs in Bingöl Province based on fecal examinations. In this study, 50 fecal samples were collected from various breeds, ages, and sexes of stray dogs that were brought throughout the year to the Bingöl Municipality Temporary Animal Shelter, which had not received parasitic treatment. The samples were examined for helminth infections using macroscopic examination, native examination, flotation, and sedimentation methods. Among the 50 fecal samples examined, Toxocara canis was identified as the most prevalent species, detected in 20% of the samples, while Toxascaris leonina was the least prevalent, found in 6%. Dipylidium caninum and Isospora spp. were each detected in 10% of the samples. The importance of the helminth species found in fecal samples for the health of the local population has been investigated. The data obtained from the study once again demonstrate that antiparasitic control in stray dogs is also of significant importance for public health. Parasitic infections, which can be observed in stray dogs regardless of age, breed, or sex, highlight the necessity of implementing regular antiparasitic control measures across the entire population.