Prevalence of Ecotoparasites in Pet Animals (Dog, Cat and Rabbit) of Tansen Municipalit, Palpa

Abstract

Pet is kept for pleasure, enjoyment and companionship instead of its utility. They may harbor many ectoparasites such as tick, flea, mite etc. Various ectoparasites cause significant infestations in pet animals. The purpose of study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites on pet animals of Tansen Municipality, Palpa. Ectoparasites were collected from 134 pet animals (88 dogs, 36 cats and 10 rabbits). They were collected by hand picking method from June to September, 2019. They were preserved in vials containing 70% alcohol, slides were prepared and identified by using different keys. Data analysis was done by using MS-Excel 2010. Among 134 pets examined, 92 were found to be infested with ectoparasites such as tick, flea and lice. The identification was done upto species level. Among total dogs examined, 65 were found to be infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (42.04%) Ctenocephalides canis (29.54), Ctenocephalides felis (31.81%), Linognathus setosus (3.4%). Among total cat examined, 21 were found to be infected with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (11.11%), Ctenocephalides canis (5.55%), Ctenocephalides felis (52.7%). Among total rabbit examined, 6 were found to be infested with Ctenocephalides canis (10%), Ctenocephalides felis (50%). Single infestation was found highest among all pet animals and the finding revealed that dogs were more susceptible to ectoparasite infestation than cats and rabbits. A semi- structured questionnaire was set up to achieve the information from 68 pet owners. Only few of the respondents knew about the parasitic disease. Considering the level of awareness, pet related zoonotic diseases are the major threat of public health in the present study. Extensive public education about pet related zoonoses is needed to create awareness on the public and minimize the risk disease.