Epidemiology of Ectoparasites and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Dogs Located in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dogs, common companion animals, serve several cultural, social, and economic functions in society but can pose public health risks if not properly managed. The present study aimed to examine the epidemiology of canine parasites in the Mvomero district and the Morogoro municipality in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving 400 randomly selected dogs, aged from 3 months to over 1 year, selected from households in the Mvomero district and the Morogoro municipality of Tanzania. The study population consisted predominantly of indigenous mongrels (n = 372), with a smaller proportion of crossbreeds (n = 28). Ectoparasites were collected through full-body examination, including the skin, ears, and interdigital spaces. Ticks, fleas, mites, and lice were manually removed using forceps and combing, with ticks carefully extracted to preserve their mouthparts. Fleas were collected using an acetone application followed by brushing onto white cloths. All samples were preserved in 70% ethanol and identified morphologically under a light microscope using standard identification keys. Fecal samples were collected from the study dogs and examined using flotation, sedimentation, direct saline/iodine wet mount, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 83.8%, while gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 76.8% of the dogs. Helminths included Ancylostoma spp. (60.5%), Uncinaria stenocephala (22.0%), Toxocara canis (11.5%), Toxascaris leonina (6.3%), Ascaris spp. (3.8%), Taeniidae (6.0%), and Dipylidium caninum (1.8%). Protozoa included Cryptosporidium spp. (15.5%), Isospora spp. (8.0%), Cyclospora spp. (4.3%), and Entamoeba spp. (3.0%). Dogs from Mvomero, Tanzania, had significantly higher parasite prevalence than those from Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. Risk factors for parasitic infection included dog age, geographic location, management practices, and lack of deworming. The current study highlighted an alarming burden of parasitic infestations among dogs in Morogoro, Tanzania, posing significant threats to animal health, public health, and animal welfare.