ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING TICK INFESTATIONS IN DOGS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37406/2706-9052-2025-2.28Keywords:
dogs, age categories, breed predisposition, Demodex canis, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. СanisAbstract
Tick-borne invasions are among the most common diseases for both animals and humans. This study describes the spread of pathogens Demodex canis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, and Otodectes cynotis in Ukraine over the past five years, and investigates the age-related characteristics of the diseases, as well as the impact of dog breed and sex on the intensity of the disease. The study, conducted from 2019 to 2023, covered 1,452 dogs belonging to owners from the Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi regions of Ukraine. Clinical examinations were carried out using standard methods, taking into account the localization and area of skin lesions, the presence of itching, and other symptoms. Deep skin scrapings were used to diagnose acaroses (scabies, otodectosis, demodicosis), as well as otoscopy to assess the condition of the ear mite. The study of acariform mites in dogs from 2019 to 2023 revealed that the main species of parasites affecting the animals were Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, and Demodex canis. According to the results of the study, the most common diseases among dogs were demodicosis (6.3%), otodectosis (4.3%), and scabies (1.2%). The highest infestation rate was recorded in 2023, specifically for otodectosis (5.5%), demodicosis (7.5%), and scabies (1.4%). Age-related infection features were also studied, with a high infection rate observed in dogs aged 2–6 months, and a peak infection rate at 6–12 months. Breed and sex differences in disease occurrence were also considered: the most cases of otodectosis were found in mixed-breed dogs, while demodicosis was more common in mongrel animals. Female dogs were found to be more susceptible to mite infections compared to males. The obtained data will help to develop a comprehensive approach to the prevention of these diseases, taking into account the epidemiological situation in specific regions.
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