Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and species diversity of helminth infections in 262 dogs from the city of Oral and its surrounding settlements. The results revealed a high infection rate of 97.7%, with 256 dogs found to be infected by various helminths. A total of 11 helminth species were identified, belonging to two classes: six species of Cestoda (tapeworms) and five species of Nematoda (roundworms). The cestodes included Dipylidium caninum, Taenia hydatigena, Mesocestoides lineatus, Multiceps multiceps, Echinococcus granulosus, and Diphyllobothrium latum. The nematodes comprised Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum, Dirofilaria immitis, and Uncinaria stenocephala. Among these, Toxocara canis had the highest prevalence at 17%, followed by Dipylidium caninum at 15.3%. Territorial analysis across different districts showed variable infection rates: 100% in the southwestern Zashagan settlement, 98% in the eastern Derkul settlement, 95% in Melovye Gorki, and 92% in Krugloozyorny. In Zashagan, Dipylidium caninum (17.5%) and Toxascaris leonina (14.3%) were most common, while in Derkul, Taenia hydatigena (19%) and Dipylidium caninum (15.3%) predominated, with a lower prevalence of Toxocara (12%). In Melovye Gorki, nine helminth species were detected, confirming widespread helminth infections in the region’s dog population. These findings highlight the need for targeted parasite control measures in Oral and surrounding areas.