Prevalence, Diversity and Risk factors of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Stray Dogs and Cats in Chengdu City

To understand the intestinal parasitic infection status in stray dogs and cats in Chengdu, a total of 182 fecal samples were collected from stray dogs and cats from various districts and counties within Chengdu. Parasite eggs were enriched using the saturated saline flotation method and water sedimentation method, followed by microscopic examination. Additionally, 116 samples were selected for 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the overall parasitic infection rate in the feces of stray dogs and cats in Chengdu was 23.08%, with a total of 11 parasite species (including 4 nematodes, 3 cestodes, 2 trematodes, and 2 protozoans) identified. The dominant parasite species in dogs was Toxocara canis (infection rate 15.38%), followed by Hymenolepis diminuta (infection rate 5.77%). In cats, the dominant parasite species was Spirometra mansoni (infection rate 10.26%), followed by Toxocara cati (infection rate 7.69%). The fecal samples from Chenghua District exhibited higher microbial diversity. At the genus level, the dominant parasites primarily included Ancylostoma , Strongyloide , Cystoisospora and Toxocara . These findings indicated a high prevalence and diversity of parasitic infections in the feces of stray dogs and cats in Chengdu, which may pose a high zoonotic risk to both humans and companion animals. It is therefore recommended that relevant authorities strengthen the management of stray dogs and cats, conduct regular deworming programs, and enhance public health education to raise awareness and prevention measures.