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.