Age dynamics of infestation of dogs Ctenocephalides spp.
Abstract
The ectoparasites Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis are distributed worldwide and are the most common species of fleas that parasitize domestic carnivores. As active vectors of infectious and invasive diseases, fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides are of great epidemiological importance. Intensive growth of the number of dogs, violation of sanitary and hygienic conditions of their keeping, especially in large cities, as well as global warming significantly affect the epizootic situation regarding ctenocephalidosis. The aim of the work was to study the features of age susceptibility of domestic dogs in the city of Poltava (Ukraine) to Ctenocephalides spp. Indicators of infestation of animals with the causative agent of ctenocephalidosis depending on their age and housing conditions were determined. Studies have shown that dogs of any age are prone to flea infestation. Ctenocephalidosis is diagnosed in animals of all ages. At the same time, the age dynamics of defeat of dogs by parasitic insects under different conditions of their keeping differed significantly. The average extensity and intensity of the invasion was lower in animals kept in apartments (26.47 %, 10.82 specimens/head) compared to animals kept in the private sector (76.21 %, 22.71 specimens/head). The highest rates of flea infestation of the genus Ctenocephalides were found in dogs aged one to six years (37.10–45.45 %; 10.45–15.91 specimens/head) – for housing, as well as in young animals up to 12 month of age (84.03–90.36 %; 22.78–32.56 specimens/head) – for aviary maintenance. Less infested were dogs under 6 months of age (11.26 %; 5.43 specimens/head) and older 6-year-olds (16.28 %; 8.54 specimens/head) – for housing, as well as dogs aged one to six years (53.54–75.38 %; 11.63–20.24 specimens/head) – for aviary keeping. The results obtained regarding the age dynamics of infestation of domestic dogs with fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides can be taken into account when carrying out measures to control and prevent ctenocephalidosis in dogs under different conditions of their content.
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