First Report of Toxocara Cati in Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) in Iran

The Ascaridida is an order of nematodes that includes Toxocara cati, which is one of the most common parasites of the cat around the world. Characteristics of this group include first the presence of three large fleshy lips on the anterior end of the adult worms and second the eggshells produced by the species found in terrestrial hosts that typically are thick shelled and very resistant to environmental extremes. In May 2009, A young female leopard 2-3 years was shot unwillingly in a frighteningly close encounter with villagers in Ahovan County around of Damghan city. Three Nematod helminthes were obtained which identified as Toxocara cati. The adults have distinct cervical alae which are short and wide, giving the anterior end distinct appearance of an arrow.