Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Zoonotic Potential of Intestinal Parasites in Shelter Dogs in North Macedonia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Bojana Chapkunovska; Ljubica Rashikj; Ivana Shikoska; Iskra Cvetkovikj; Jane Vlahov; Betim Xhekaj; Elena Atanaskova Petrov; Jovana Stefanovska; Aleksandar Cvetkovikj

doi:10.2478/macvetrev-2026-0012

Abstract

Intestinal parasites in shelter dogs present significant health risk to animals and humans. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and zoonotic implications of intestinal parasites in 156 shelter dogs across all eight regions of North Macedonia. Fecal samples were analyzed using fecal smears and flotation techniques. The overall prevalence was 70.51%, with hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) (36.54%), Giardia spp. (24.36%), and Trichuris spp. (21.79%) identified as the most prevalent parasites. Significant risk factors included young age, mixed breed, and regional variations. Although the treatment reduced infection rates, regional disparities remained. These findings underscore the urgent need for standardized deworming protocols and One Health strategies to mitigate zoonotic risks.

References

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Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Zoonotic Potential of Intestinal Parasites in Shelter Dogs in North Macedonia: A Cross-Sectional Study

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