Toward the formation of a Companion Animal Parasite Council for the Tropics (CAPCT).

This letter advises the imminent formation of the Companion Animal Parasites Council for the Tropics (CAPCT). The CAPCT consists of region-specific (e.g.

The prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites of stray and refuge dogs in four locations in India.

A gastrointestinal parasite survey of 411 stray and refuge dogs sampled from four geographical and climactically distinct locations in India revealed these animals to represent a significant source of environmental contamination for parasites that pose a zoonotic risk to the public. Hookworms were the most commonly identified parasite in dogs in Sikkim (71.3%), Mumbai (48.

A survey of canine tick-borne diseases in India.

Background: There are few published reports on canine Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Hepatozoon and haemotropic Mycoplasma infections in India and most describe clinical disease in individual dogs, diagnosed by morphological observation of the microorganisms in stained blood smears. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of canine tick-borne disease (TBD) pathogens using a combination of conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques in four cities in India.

Results: On microscopy examination, only Hepatozoon gamonts were observed in twelve out of 525 (2.

A survey of canine filarial diseases of veterinary and public health significance in India.

Background: Dirofilaria spp., Acanthocheilonema spp. and Brugia spp.

Canine vector-borne diseases in India: a review of the literature and identification of existing knowledge gaps.

Despite the combination of favourable climate for parasites and vectors, and large populations of stray dogs, information concerning the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of canine vector-borne diseases in India is limited. However, with the country's expanding economy and adaptation to western culture, higher expectations and demands are being placed on veterinary surgeons for improved knowledge of diseases and control. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of these diseases in India and identify existing knowledge gaps in the literature which need to be addressed.

Molecular and morphological characterisation of Echinococcus from food producing animals in India.

In view of the medical, veterinary and economic importance of hydatid disease in India, our study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of Echinococcus present in domestic livestock in India. Out of 21,861 animals examined, cattle were found with the highest prevalence of hydatid cysts (5.10%) followed by buffaloes (3.