In the endemic focus of Kala-azar, in Meshkin Shahr area, dog
dirofilariasls Is a metazoan infestation with high endemicity. This
study was carried out to indicate prevalence of dirofilariasis in dogs
in that district. By using cluster sampling method, from 6000 dogs,
300 dogs were selected by cluster sampling and samples were
examined for the presence of microfilaria. We examined tick
smear layer of blood sample from 286dogs (14 smears were lost in
different stages of survey) all smears were tested using light
microscopic examination. Microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis in
microscopicexamination ofsamples were found in 34.60% (CI,
34.49-35.71) of samples. Positivity rates were not different in
male and female dogs but the significant in various age groups, with
the lowest rate (18.4%) in dogs 1-3 years old. The positivity in
aged dogs (Older than 10 years) was the highest (56.8%). It is
concluded that there were apprOXimately 2000 infected dogs in
the villages of the study area. As the sample is reprensentative of
the dog population in the area, it is concluded that almost one third
of dogs are in fected in this area. This may have untoward effects
on the economy of the area which is based on sheep rearing in
which dogs play important role.
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