Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Zoonotic Potential of Intestinal Parasites in Shelter Dogs in North Macedonia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Macedonian Veterinary Review 2026 Open access

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Authors: Bojana Chapkunovska, Ljubica Rashikj, Ivana Shikoska, Iskra Cvetkovikj, Jane Vlahov, Betim Xhekaj, Elena Atanaskova Petrov, J. Stefanovska, Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
DOI: 10.2478/macvetrev-2026-0012
Cited by: 1
References: 39

Abstract

Abstract Intestinal parasites in shelter dogs present significant health risk to animals and humans. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and zoonotic implications of intestinal parasites in 156 shelter dogs across all eight regions of North Macedonia. Fecal samples were analyzed using fecal smears and flotation techniques. The overall prevalence was 70.51%, with hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) (36.54%), Giardia spp. (24.36%), and Trichuris spp. (21.79%) identified as the most prevalent parasites. Significant risk factors included young age, mixed breed, and regional variations. Although the treatment reduced infection rates, regional disparities remained. These findings underscore the urgent need for standardized deworming protocols and One Health strategies to mitigate zoonotic risks.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics Parasites and Host Interactions Amoebic Infections and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Macedonian Veterinary Review
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Volume
49
Issue
1
Pages
85–96
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN