Zoonotic intestinal parasites in free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): a risk to public health in a Mexican Protected Area

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) have been in contact with humans for thousands of years, playing an important role societies. Nonetheless, the lack responsible ownership has contributed to transition from companion free-ranging or feral that can be reservoirs zoonotic parasites. Our goal was identify intestinal parasites a Mexican Protected Area. A total 132 scat samples were collected and examined using Faust flotation technique. We identified nine parasite species, four platyhelminthes, five nematodes. Eight are zoonotic. The most frequent Ancylostoma caninum Ascaris spp. (19.7% each) followed by Toxascaris leonina (17.4%) Uncinaria stenocephala (7.6%). least Dipylidium (2.2%), Capillaria spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, nana (0.75% each). This study provides first description richness within presence canine scats represents high risk public health, mainly transmission some species through cutaneous visceral migrans larvae, especially infants kids. recommend specific measures prevent, control mitigate Areas.