Detection of Endoparasites with Zoonotic Potential in Dogs with Gastrointestinal Disease in the UK

We report a substantial prevalence study in symptomatic pet dogs of important zoonotic parasitic enteric infections. A total of 4526 dogs which had a faecal sample submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in the UK between 2003 and 2005 were included in the study. The most common parasite was Giardia spp., which was found in 380/4526 dogs (8.4%, 95% CI 7.6-9.2%). Surprisingly, Cryptosporidium spp. infection was detected in only 29/4526 (0.6%, 95% CI 0.4-0.9%). Toxocara canis was found in 63/4526 dogs (1.4%; 95% CI 1.1-1.8%). Prevalence of Giardia (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in dogs