Gastrointestinal helminths of stray dogs in Erzurum province: prevalence and risk to public health

Dogs play an important role in public health due to their close contact with humans. This study aimed investigate the presence and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths stray dogs Erzurum province. Gastrointestinal helminth eggs were detected 190 out 446 (42.6%) dog fecal samples collected Erzurum. More specifically, taeniid (17.71%, 79/446), Toxocara canis (16.82%, 75/446), Toxascaris leonina (12.78%, 57/446), Linguatula spp. (4.48%, 20/446), Alaria (2.91%, 13/446), hookworms (2.69%, 12/446), spiny-headed worms (1.12%, 5/446), Trichuris (0.22%, 1/446) identified. These findings indicate zoonotic parasites be common The risk associated these can reduced through regular deworming dogs, prevention environmental contamination feces, adequate enforcement sanitation protocols.