Ectoparasites of Stray Cats in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas, Thailand

Abstract

Ectoparasites are among the most common parasites in stray cats, which might represent potential reservoirs of external parasites to domestic cats, especially during mating season. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in stray cats in Bangkok areas, particularly in monasteries. A total of 575 samples were collected from cats resided in monasteries of 50 districts of Bangkok areas, performed to identify parasitic stages, and examined under light microscopy. Overall prevalence of ectoparasites in stray cats was 95.8 %. The study revealed that the parasite burdens in 98% (49/50) of Bangkok areas. Saphan Sung district had the highest number (95.7%) of infestations among 50 districts. No significant differences were associated with sex. Cats between 3-5 years were highly infected with 97.3 %. Ctenocephalides felis felis (88.3%), Felicola subrostratus (4.2%), Notoedres cati (2.3%), C. felis orientis (2.1%) and Xenopsylla cheopitis (0.4%) were found in stray cats. The high incidence of ectoparasitism in cats was due to the relative influence of behaviour and contaminated environment since these cats lived in the same environment as stray dogs. These results are indicative of the situation that stray cats were potential for some vector-borne diseases as same as stray dogs.