Copro-Prevalence of Hookworm Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Pet Dogs in Ludhiana

The study was conducted to know the copro-prevalence of hookworm infection in relation to various risk factors in the pet dogs from in and around Ludhiana. Total 250 dog faecal samples were examined by flotation and Mc Master egg counting technique for qualitative and quantitative evaluation, respectively. The prevalence of hookworms was correlated with meteorological data, age, sex and breed. Coprological examination revealed an overall prevalence of ancylostomosis as 13.20% and eggs per gram (epg) of faeces ranged from 600-28,300. Micrometry revealed the mean size of eggs as 65.75 μm (Length) × 43.22 μm (Breadth). The monthly prevalence varied from 5.55 to 26.66% with the highest prevalence in the month of October and the lowest in March. The highest prevalence of hookworms was at a mean temperature of 25.1°C and relative humidity 68%, recorded in the month of October. The season-wise highest prevalence was in the autumn (24.14%) and the lowest in winter (9.46%). The prevalence was higher in male (14.37%) dogs as compared to their female counterparts (10.84%). The breed wise highest prevalence was seen in Mongrel (19.23%). The prevalence was relatively higher in younger (0-6 month-old pups) (28%) than aged dogs. The studies indicated that hookworm had higher prevalence in males, in young dogs, mongrel breed and in autumn months.