Brief Report - (2025) Volume 16, Issue 2
Received: 01-Apr-2025, Manuscript No. jvst-26-187967;
Editor assigned: 03-Apr-2025, Pre QC No. P-187967;
Reviewed: 17-Apr-2025, QC No. Q-187967;
Revised: 22-Apr-2025, Manuscript No. R-187967;
Published:
29-Apr-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2157-7579.2025.16.286
Citation: Santos, Fernando. ”Parasitic Infections in Domestic
Animals: Impacts and Control.” J Vet Sci Techno 16 (2025):286.
Copyright: © 2025 Santos F. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The pervasive nature of parasitic infections in domestic animals presents a significant challenge to veterinary health and public safety, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their epidemiology and control [1].
These infections span a wide array of hosts and pathogens, including protozoa and helminths, each with distinct transmission routes and impacts [1].
In livestock, parasitic burdens, particularly from ectoparasites like ticks and lice, and endoparasites such as nematodes, can lead to substantial economic losses, affecting production efficiency in species like cattle and small ruminants [2].
The genetic diversity of parasitic species, such as Eimeria spp. and Ascaridia galli in poultry, further complicates control efforts, influencing vaccine efficacy and driving the development of drug resistance [3].
Companion animals, especially dogs, are also susceptible to a range of parasitic threats, including tick-borne pathogens like Babesia and Anaplasma, which pose diagnostic challenges and require diligent prophylactic measures [4].
The zoonotic potential of certain parasites, like Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus spp., highlights the critical link between animal health and human well-being, underscoring the importance of integrated public health interventions [5].
In tropical regions, specific tick-borne protozoal infections, such as Hepatozoon and Ehrlichia species in dogs, exhibit distinct epidemiological patterns influenced by lifestyle and geography, demanding targeted diagnostic and clinical approaches [6].
Small ruminants in regions like the Mediterranean Basin are grappling with widespread anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes, prompting a re-evaluation of deworming strategies to maintain animal productivity [7].
The public health implications are further amplified by the prevalence of zoonotic parasites like Toxoplasma gondii in stray animal populations, such as cats, which can contribute to environmental contamination and necessitate effective management of these animals [8].
Advances in diagnostic tools, ranging from traditional microscopy to sophisticated molecular techniques, are crucial for accurate identification and effective management of parasitic infections in veterinary medicine [10].
The development and efficacy of novel therapeutic agents, including isoxazolines against ectoparasites in dogs, offer promising new avenues for controlling infestations and mitigating the transmission of associated diseases [9].
The broad spectrum of parasitic infections affecting domestic animals is a primary concern in veterinary medicine, encompassing both common protozoal and helminthic pathogens. The epidemiological patterns, diagnostic complexities, and public safety implications, particularly concerning zoonotic risks, necessitate integrated control strategies for optimal animal health [1].
Livestock production is significantly impacted by parasitic infections, with ectoparasites like ticks and lice, and endoparasites such as nematodes, causing considerable economic losses in cattle and small ruminants. Evaluating current control methods and advocating for sustainable, integrated parasite management programs are essential for mitigating these impacts [2].
Genetic diversity within key parasitic species, such as Eimeria spp. and Ascaridia galli in poultry, presents a significant challenge for developing effective vaccines and combating drug resistance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maintaining disease control in intensive farming systems [3].
Tick-borne diseases are a significant concern for companion animals, particularly dogs, where common tick species transmit pathogens like Babesia and Anaplasma. Prophylactic measures are vital for preventing disease transmission and overcoming diagnostic hurdles [4].
The zoonotic potential of parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus spp. in domestic animals poses a substantial public health threat. Transmission routes from animals to humans require careful assessment, and public health interventions, including hygiene and owner education, are critical for risk mitigation [5].
In tropical environments, the epidemiology of tick-borne protozoal infections such as Hepatozoon and Ehrlichia species in dogs is influenced by factors like lifestyle and geographic location. Identifying key risk factors and understanding clinical manifestations are crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment [6].
Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes affecting sheep and goats in the Mediterranean Basin is a growing issue, impacting animal productivity. Strategic deworming protocols need to be developed to combat resistance and improve parasite control [7].
The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in stray cats, and its potential for environmental contamination, raises significant public health concerns. Effective management of stray animal populations and understanding their role in disease transmission are vital [8].
Novel treatment strategies are emerging, with studies evaluating the efficacy of new anthelmintic drugs against tick infestations in dogs, aiming to reduce tick burdens and the transmission of tick-borne diseases [9].
Advances in diagnostic techniques, from conventional methods like fecal microscopy to state-of-the-art molecular diagnostics, are indispensable for the accurate identification of parasitic infections, thereby enabling effective treatment and control programs in veterinary medicine [10].
This collection of research highlights the widespread presence and impact of parasitic infections in domestic animals. It addresses various aspects, including the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pets, the economic burden of ecto- and endoparasites on livestock, and the genetic diversity of poultry parasites contributing to drug resistance. The studies also cover tick-borne diseases in dogs, zoonotic risks posed by parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, and the epidemiology of specific infections in tropical regions. Furthermore, research explores anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants, the role of stray cats in disease transmission, and the efficacy of novel antiparasitic treatments. Finally, advances in diagnostic tools for identifying these infections in veterinary medicine are reviewed. Integrated control strategies, improved diagnostics, and public health interventions are emphasized throughout.
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