EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF Toxocara canis IN BASRAH CITY

A total of 117 stray dogs were dissected and examined for T. canis infection either by shooting gun or using strychnine sulphate tablets. Three main stations were chosen during the present study: the north station includes Garmat Ali and University of Basrah, the south station includes Al-Saraji district while, central station includes city center, gas stations, slaughter house, Basrah Veterinary Medicine Hospital and some gardens. The present study revealed that 31 dogs (18 male and 13 female) were infected with T. canis with percentage infection equal to 26.5%. A high percentage infection (32.07%) was recorded in north station. Also, a high percentage infection (30.76%) was recorded during winter months.