Proteomic change in the upper lobe of the left lung of Beagle dogs at the lung migration stage of Toxocara canis infection.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis is considered one of the most neglected parasitic zoonoses and threatens the health of millions of people worldwide with a predilection for pediatric and adolescent populations in impoverished communities. Exploring the invasion and developmental mechanisms associated with T. canis infection in its definitive canine hosts will help to better control zoonotic toxocariasis. METHODS: Proteomic changes in samples from the upper lobe of the left lung of Beagle puppies were systematically analyzed by quantitative proteomic technology of data-independent acquisition (DIA) at 96 h post-infection (hpi) with T. canis. Proteins with P-values < 0.05 and fold change > 1.5 or < 0.67 were considered proteins with differential abundance (PDAs). RESULTS: A total of 28 downregulated PDAs and 407 upregulated PDAs were identified at 96 hpi, including RhoC, TM4SFs and LPCAT1, which could be associated with the maintenance and repair of lung homeostasis. GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of all identified proteins and PDAs revealed that many lung proteins have correlation to signal transduction, lipid metabolism and immune system. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed lung proteomic alterations in Beagle dogs at the lung migration stage of T. canis infection and identified many PDAs of Beagle dog lung, which may play important roles in the pathogenesis of toxocariasis, warranting further experimental validation.

A global systematic review and meta-analysis on the babesiosis in dogs with special reference to Babesia canis.

BACKGROUND: Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick-transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild, transient infection to serious disease and even death. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia in dogs. METHODS: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literature published from January 2000 up to December 2022. The statistical analyses were performed based on the R software (version 3.6) meta-package. RESULTS: Out of 23,864 publications, 229 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of canine babesiosis was 0.120 (95% CI; 0.097-0.146). The highest pooled prevalence was found in Europe (0.207, 95% CI; 0.097-0.344). Among several species, Babesia canis was the most prevalent parasite (0.216, 95% CI; 0.056-0.441). The highest pooled prevalence of Babesia in dogs was observed in the summer season (0.097, 95% CI; 0.040-0.174). CONCLUSIONS: Regular screening and appropriate control strategies are recommended for the prevention of transmission of tick-borne disease transmission among dogs.

Eliminate all risks: A call to reexamine the link between canine scabies and rheumatic heart disease.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and acute rheumatic fever (ARF) disproportionately affect individuals in low-resource settings. ARF is attributed to an immune response to Group A Streptococcus (GAS) following GAS pharyngitis and potentially GAS impetigo in which infection can be initiated by scabies infestation. The burden of ARF and RHD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia is among the highest globally. Following recent calls to include dog management programs in ARF and RHD prevention programs, we believe it is timely to assess the evidence for this, particularly since previous recommendations excluded resources to prevent zoonotic canine scabies. While phylogenetic analyses have suggested that the Sarcoptes mite is host specific, they have differed in interpretation of the strength of their findings regarding species cross-over and the need for canine scabies control to prevent human itch. Given that there is also indication from case reports that canine scabies leads to human itch, we propose that further investigation of the potential burden of zoonotic canine scabies and intervention trials of canine scabies prevention on the incidence of impetigo are warranted. Considering the devastating impacts of ARF and RHD, evidence is required to support policy to eliminate all risk factors.

Microfilaruria of Dirofilaria immitis in a dog from Italy.

Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne nematode-causing canine heartworm disease, with adult worms localized in the pulmonary arteries and right heart. In rare cases, ectopic migration might occur, and adults and blood circulating microfilariae can be found in unusual organs or fluids (e.g., eyes, abdominal cavity, bone marrow, and urine). A 17-year-old mixed-breed female dog was presented in a private veterinary clinic in Italy for hematuria and dysuria. Physical examination showed cardiac mitral murmur with marked respiratory distress and cyanotic mucous membranes after handling. Abdominal ultrasounds revealed a non-specific chronic cystopathy, while the echocardiography showed enlargement of the right heart associated with tricuspid insufficiency and mitral regurgitation, with the presence of an adult filariae in the right ventricular chamber. Circulating microfilariae were observed in the blood smear and molecularly identified as D. immitis. Unusual microfilaruria was detected in the urine sediment. Data presented raise awareness about the occurrence of microfilariae in unusual locations, such as the bladder, suggesting the need of a thorough clinical and laboratory assessment where D. immitis is endemic.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus from Hungarian dogs: Tick identification and detection of tick-borne pathogens.

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a complex of tick species with an unsettled species concept. In Europe, R. sanguineus is considered mainly a Mediterranean tick with sporadic findings in central and northern Europe. R. sanguineus is known as a vector of a range of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, most of which not yet reported as autochthonous in Hungary. A total of 1839 ticks collected by veterinarians from dogs and cats were obtained in Hungary. The study aims at precise determination of ticks identified as R. sanguineus and detection of pathogens in collected ticks. All ticks were morphologically determined and 169 individuals were identified as R. sanguineus. A subset of 15 ticks was selected for molecular analysis (16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, COI). Phylogenetic analyses invariably placed sequences of all three markers into a single haplotype identified as R. sanguineus sensu stricto. All 169 brown dog ticks were tested for the presence of A. platys, E. canis, R. conorii, B. vogeli and H. canis. None of the investigated ticks was positive for the screened pathogens, though A. phagocytophilum sequence was detected in a single tick.

Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and foxes in the Zanjan province of Iran: With an emphasis on Echinococcus species.

Canids harbor many zoonotic parasites and play an important role in the spread of parasites in the human environment. Estimation of parasitic infection among canids as definitive hosts may help competent authorities design efficient control programs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and foxes with an emphasis on Echinococcus spp. A total of 500 fecal samples of dogs and 30 fecal samples of foxes were studied in the summer, autumn, and winter of 2021 in the Zanjan province using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, followed by multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was estimated to be 19.05%. The prevalence was 24.8%, 10.2%, and 26.7% in stray, shelter dogs and foxes, respectively. No parasites were found among pet and guard dog samples. PCR results on Taenidae eggs showed that 2.4% of samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus and none contained E. multilocularis. Noteworthy is that E. granulosus was identified only in stray dog samples. The higher prevalence of E. granulosus infection in stray dogs in this province emphasizes the importance of monitoring the food sources consumed by these animals.

The seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure to Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi in Ontario broodmares.

The seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure to Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi in broodmares in Ontario were investigated. Sixty of the 219 (27.4%) study broodmares were seropositive for N. caninum and 65/219 (29.7%) for N. hughesi with cut-offs of ≥1:40 and ≥1:160, respectively. Thirty-one of 63 participating farms (49.2%) had at least 1 broodmare seropositive for N. caninum. Thirty-three of the 63 (52.4%) participating farms had at least 1 broodmare positive for N. hughesi. Risk factors for N. caninum included presence of farm dogs (OR = 6.70; 95% CI = 2.14-20.97; p = 0.001), and high stocking density (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.27-6.30; p = 0.011). Presence of livestock, excluding cattle, was associated with reduced risk of exposure (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.06-0.53; p = 0.002). The only risk factor for exposure to N. hughesi was feeding hay on the ground in the paddock (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.65-11.22; p = 0.003). This study demonstrated widespread exposure to Neospora spp. in broodmares in Ontario.

Baiting not-owned dogs against Echinococcus granulosus: innovative tools for integrated control.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most widespread zoonoses in Mediterranean countries. Baiting not-owned dogs with praziquantel (PZQ), due to their key role in the maintaining the transmission of CE, currently appears to be the most effective way to limit the transmission of CE, as well as an important aspect to introduce for the control of this parasitic disease. Therefore, this study aims to test 3 types of PZQ-based baits by evaluating different parameters (integrity over time, attractiveness and palatability for dogs, and mechanical resistance after release to different altitudes) and the bait acceptance in field by target animals, i.e. not-owned dogs, by using camera traps. The double PZQ-laced baits (with a double layer of highly palatable chews) showed the greatest resistance in the environment while also preserving the attractiveness and palatability up to 10 days, also withstood heights of 25 m, thus resulting as the most suitable also for drone delivery. The results on the field showed that most of the baits were consumed by not-owned dogs (82.2%), while the remaining were consumed by wild boars (8.9%), foxes (6.7%), badgers (1.1%) and hedgehogs (1.1%), confirming the specific and high attractiveness of the double PZQ-laced baits for the target population and highlights how an anthelmintic baiting programme may be a viable tool for the management of E. granulosus among free-ranging dog populations in endemic rural areas.

A panel of recombinant Leishmania donovani cell surface and secreted proteins identifies LdBPK_323600.1 as a serological marker of symptomatic infection.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a deadly infectious disease and is one of the world's major neglected health problems. Because the symptoms of infection are similar to other endemic diseases, accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. Definitive diagnosis using splenic or bone marrow aspirates is highly invasive, and so, serological assays are preferred, including the direct agglutination test (DAT) or rK39 strip test. These tests, however, are either difficult to perform in the field (DAT) or lack specificity in some endemic regions (rK39), making the development of new tests a research priority. The availability of Leishmania spp. genomes presents an opportunity to identify new diagnostic targets. Here, we use genome data and a mammalian protein expression system to create a panel of 93 proteins consisting of the extracellular ectodomains of the Leishmania donovani cell surface and secreted proteins. We use these panel and sera from murine experimental infection models and natural human and canine infections to identify new candidates for serological diagnosis. We observed a concordance between the most immunoreactive antigens in different host species and transmission settings. The antigen encoded by the LdBPK_323600.1 gene can diagnose Leishmania infections with high sensitivity and specificity in patient cohorts from different endemic regions including Bangladesh and Ethiopia. In longitudinal sampling of treated patients, we observed reductions in immunoreactivity to LdBPK_323600.1 suggesting it could be used to diagnose treatment success. In summary, we have identified new antigens that could contribute to improved serological diagnostic tests to help control the impact of this deadly tropical infectious disease. IMPORTANCE: Visceral leishmaniasis is fatal if left untreated with patients often displaying mild and non-specific symptoms during the early stages of infection making accurate diagnosis important. Current methods for diagnosis require highly trained medical staff to perform highly invasive biopsies of the liver or bone marrow which pose risks to the patient. Less invasive molecular tests are available but can suffer from regional variations in their ability to accurately diagnose an infection. To identify new diagnostic markers of visceral leishmaniasis, we produced and tested a panel of 93 proteins identified from the genome of the parasite responsible for this disease. We found that the pattern of host antibody reactivity to these proteins was broadly consistent across naturally acquired infections in both human patients and dogs, as well as experimental rodent infections. We identified a new protein called LdBPK_323600.1 that could accurately diagnose visceral leishmaniasis infections in humans.

Efficacy of monthly treatment with oral fluralaner (Bravecto® 1-Month) against Tunga penetrans in dogs in Brazil: a randomized, double-blind, controlled field study.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T. penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10-18 mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions. RESULTS: The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42 days after treatment.

Potential Impact of a Diagnostic Test for Detecting Prepatent Guinea Worm Infections in Dogs.

Chad has seen a considerable reduction in cases of Guinea worm disease (or dracunculiasis) in domestic dogs in recent years. Tethering of dogs and application of Abate® larvicide to water sources appear to have contributed to this progress, but with 767 reported dog cases in 2021, accelerating elimination of the disease in Chad may require additional tools. We investigate the potential benefits of a hypothetical diagnostic test that could be capable of detecting prepatent infections in dogs. We adapt an agent-based simulation model for forecasting the impact of interventions on guinea worm disease in dogs to examine the interaction of multiple test factors including test accuracy, when the test can detect infection, dog selection, and dog-owner compliance with tethering recommendations. We find that a diagnostic test could be successful if used in conjunction with existing interventions, and elimination can be achieved within 2 years with 80% or higher test sensitivity, 90% or higher specificity, systematic testing of each dog twice per year, and more than 90% long-term tethering compliance when a dog tests positive or a worm is emerging. Because of the long incubation period of Guinea worm disease (10-14 months) and the fact that no treatment exists, the benefits of the test rely on the testing rollout and response of dog owners. If the test could estimate the timing of worm emergence, long-term tethering could be eliminated and infected dogs could be tethered only when the worms are expected, minimizing the related resources (human and financial) to support the intervention.

First record of a structural infestation by the bird flea Dasypsyllus gallinulae perpinnatus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA.

Herein we present the first-known case report of a structural infestation by the bird flea (Dasypsyllus gallinulae perpinnatus) (Dale 1878) in the United States. In March of 2023, the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District was contacted by a resident in South San Francisco, CA who reported the presence of fleas inside their condominium. The resident had 2 dogs who were on oral flea medication and only 1 inhabitant out of 4 reported receiving flea bites. The front walkway, backyard, and garage were flagged and a small passerine nest was removed from a fire alarm bell in the front walkway. A total of 31 fleas (13 males, 18 females) were collected by flagging from the front entryway underneath the nest. One female flea was collected from the backyard, and 20 (9 males, 11 females) were collected by the resident from inside the house. A total of 387 fleas (163 males, 224 females) were collected from the nest of a small passerine. All life stages (egg, larvae, pupae, and adult) were observed within the nest. Additional parasites in the nest included bird lice and larval western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus, Cooley and Kohls 1943). Research should be conducted into whether bird fleas are capable of transmitting avian pathogens to humans and this information should be communicated to healthcare providers as part of a One Health approach. Additionally, resources to aid in species-level flea identification should be made accessible to pest control operators as this will aid the development of targeted treatments as part of an integrated pest management plan.

Canine leishmaniasis in the Americas: etiology, distribution, and clinical and zoonotic importance.

Canine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease on the American continent, with cases reported from Uruguay to the USA and Canada. While numerous Leishmania spp. have been reported in dogs in this region, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis are the most common etiological agents of canine leishmaniasis from a continental perspective. Nonetheless, other species may predominate locally in some countries. The participation of dogs in the transmission cycle of various Leishmania spp. has long been speculated, but evidence indicates that their role as reservoirs of species other than L. infantum is negligible. Various native wildlife (e.g., small rodents, marsupials, sloths, and monkeys) are, in fact, the primary hosts of Leishmania spp. in the Americas. In this review, an updated list of Leishmania spp. infecting dogs in the Americas is presented, along with their distribution and clinical and zoonotic importance.

Reinfection of farm dogs following praziquantel treatment in an endemic region of cystic echinococcosis in southeastern Iran.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) as a prevalent tapeworm infection of human and herbivorous animals worldwide, is caused by accidental ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs excreted from infected dogs. CE is endemic in the Middle East and North Africa, and is considered as an important parasitic zoonosis in Iran. It is transmitted between dogs as the primary definitive host and different livestock species as the intermediate hosts. One of the most important measures for CE control is dog deworming with praziquantel. Due to the frequent reinfection of dogs, intensive deworming campaigns are critical for breaking CE transmission. Dog reinfection rate could be used as an indicator of the intensity of local CE transmission in endemic areas. However, our knowledge on the extent of reinfection in the endemic regions is poor. The purpose of the present study was to determine E. granulosus reinfection rate after praziquantel administration in a population of owned dogs in Kerman, Iran. A cohort of 150 owned dogs was recruited, with stool samples collected before praziquantel administration as a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg. The re-samplings of the owned dogs were performed at 2, 5 and 12 months following initial praziquantel administration. Stool samples were examined microscopically using Willis flotation method. Genomic DNA was extracted, and E. granulosus sensu lato-specific primers were used to PCR-amplify a 133-bp fragment of a repeat unit of the parasite genome. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method to calculate cumulative survival rates, which is used here to capture reinfection dynamics, and monthly incidence of infection, capturing also the spatial distribution of disease risk. Results of survival analysis showed 8, 12 and 17% total reinfection rates in 2, 5 and 12 months following initial praziquantel administration, respectively, indicating that 92, 88 and 83% of the dogs had no detectable infection in that same time periods. The monthly incidence of reinfection in total owned dog population was estimated at 1.5% (95% CI 1.0-2.1). The results showed that the prevalence of echinococcosis in owned dogs, using copro-PCR assay was 42.6%. However, using conventional microscopy, 8% of fecal samples were positive for taeniid eggs. Our results suggest that regular treatment of the dog population with praziquantel every 60 days is ideal, however the frequency of dog dosing faces major logistics and cost challenges, threatening the sustainability of control programs. Understanding the nature and extent of dog reinfection in the endemic areas is essential for successful implementation of control programs and understanding patterns of CE transmission.

Outcome of parasitological examinations in dogs in Germany: a retrospective survey.

Dog faecal samples examined from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed for frequency of endoparasites. The examinations were performed with several different methods: 29,219 samples were examined by flotation method and sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin concentration (SAFC) technique, 1,330 samples by Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, 12,221 samples using a Giardia coproantigen enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1,180 samples using a Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA, 1,671 samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Giardia duodenalis and 447 samples by PCR testing for Cryptosporidium spp.. A total of 7.1% of the samples were positive for parasites in the microscopical examination using the flotation method and SAFC technique. The parasites found included Cystoisospora spp. (2.8%), Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), Ancylostomatidae (1.8%), Toxocara canis (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (0.7%), Toxascaris leonina (0.5%), Capillaria spp. (0.2%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.2%), Crenosoma vulpis (0.1%), Taeniidae (0.1%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.03%), Dipylidium caninum (0.01%), Diphyllobothrium latum (< 0.01%), Spirurida (< 0.01%) and Opisthorchiidae (< 0.01%). Using the Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, Angiostrongylus vasorum was found in 0.75% and Crenosoma vulpis in 0.3% of the samples. ELISAs for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. revealed 13.9% and 1.0% positive faecal samples, and Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. PCRs 19.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Dogs in the first year of life were more frequently infected with parasites than older animals. In the microscopic examination using flotation method and SAFC technique, the significantly highest detection rates were found in dogs up to six months of age (p < 0.001).

Assessing the applications and efficacy of using helminthophagous fungi to control canine gastrointestinal parasites.

Helminths are a major challenge in dog breeding, particularly affecting young animals and posing a significant zoonotic risk. The widespread use of anthelmintics to treat gastrointestinal helminth infections in companion animals is common. However, these chemical products generate residues that can have adverse effects on animal, human and environmental health. In addition to the challenge of parasite resistance to treatment, there is an urgent need to explore and discuss complementary and sustainable methods of controlling helminthiases in these animals. In this context, nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi have emerged as a potential tool for the control of environmental forms of helminths. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of these fungi in the control of free-living forms of helminth parasites in companion animals by highlighting the research that has been conducted for this purpose. In vitro experiments demonstrated the efficacy of fungi like Pochonia chlamydosporia, Arthrobotrys robusta, and Monacrosporium thaumasium in trapping and reducing helminth infective forms. These findings, along with soil contamination studies, suggest the feasibility of using helminthophagous fungi as a sustainable and effective strategy for environmental control. The current literature supports the potential of these fungi as an environmentally friendly solution for managing helminthiasis in dogs, benefiting both animal health and public welfare.

Heartworm disease in domestic dogs in Estonia: indication of local circulation of the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis farther north than previously reported.

BACKGROUND: The mosquito-borne zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis continues to spread northwards in Europe. This parasite can cause potentially life-threatening heartworm disease in dogs and pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans and is, therefore, a major health concern in both the veterinary medicine and human medical fields. This is the first report of D. immitis infections and heartworm disease in the Baltic country Estonia. METHODS: Data on canine D. immitis infections and heartworm disease were collected from the electronic patient records database of the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, the only university clinic in Estonia. The patient records of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of D. immitis infection or heartworm disease were reviewed and summarised. RESULTS: Six dogs had been diagnosed with confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease at the university clinic in 2021-2022. The confirmed diagnoses had been reached following international guidelines, based on a combination of different tests. Molecular confirmation of the parasite species had not been performed. Two of the dogs had been imported while four had no travel history outside of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Four of the dogs with a confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease had no history of being imported or travelling outside of the country, indicating autochthonous infections and, consequently, local circulation of the parasite in Estonia. These findings represent the new northernmost autochthonous cases of D. immitis infection and canine heartworm disease reported in the European Union.

Survey of ectoparasites affecting dog and cat populations living in sympatry in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ectoparasites of dogs and cats are implicated to be responsible for life-threatening anaemia, allergic dermatitis and pruritic and non-pruritic skin disorders. In Ethiopia, few studies have been conducted on the arthropods of dogs and cats. OBJECTIVES: In order to shed light on some of these aspects, a survey was conducted to investigate the presence of ectoparasites in dogs and cats living in sympatry in the urban and rural areas of Gamo Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 297 dogs and 110 cats were examined for ectoparasites, and questionnaires were employed to obtain information concerning owner's knowledge about arthropods and vector-borne diseases (VBDs). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ticks, fleas and lice in dogs was 36.7%, 69.7% and 4.7%, respectively. Similarly, on cats, an overall prevalence of 2.7% ticks and 21.8% fleas was recorded. On dogs, fleas (Ctenocephalides felis 69.4%, Echidnophaga gallinacea 1.3%, Ctenocephalides canis 1.0% and Pulex irritans 0.3%), ticks (Amblyomma variegatum 22.9%, Rhipicephalus sanguineus 14.1%, Haemaphysalis leachi 8.8%, Rhipicephalus praetextatus 4.0% and Rhipicephalus pulchellus 3.4%) and lice (Heterodoxus spiniger 4.0% and Trichodectes canis 0.7%) were identified. Likewise, on cats, fleas (C. felis [15.5%] and E. gallinacea [7.3%]) and ticks (H. leachi [2.7%]) were identified. The abundance of C. felis was significantly higher (p < 0.001) on dogs, whereas in cats, the abundance of E. gallinacea was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than the other ectoparasites. On dogs, a significantly higher prevalence of Rh. sanguineus was recorded in urban areas (<0.001) and on dogs which live in indoor environments (p = 0.003) than on dogs which live in other environments. On the other hand, the prevalence of A. variegatum in rural areas and midland agroecology was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The prevalence of H. leachi was significantly higher in midland (p < 0.001) and on adult dogs (p = 0.001). Overall, fleas were more prevalent in rural (p = 0.029) than in urban areas, and female dogs were with higher infestation than the male (p = 0.047) dogs; C. felis was prevalent in female (p = 0.038) dogs than males. Overall, 88.3% owners in the study area had no knowledge about ectoparasites and VBDs of dogs and cats. Majority of the owners (64.8%) attest that they had never visited veterinary clinics. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the data presented in the present study provide additional knowledge on the importance of ectoparasites of dogs and cats and are believed to contribute in awareness creation and strengthening of veterinary services of dogs and cats of the study area.