Endoparasites and ectoparasites of stray Felis catus at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Abstract

Cats are potential reservoirs of pathogens, capable of transmitting and causing diseases both to humans and wildlife. This study aimed to isolate and identify endoparasites and ectoparasites afflicting the stray cats in the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Diliman, Quezon City. Sixty stray cats were captured and examined for the presence of parasites from February 2018 to April 2018. The arthropod Ctenocephalides felis felis (65%) was most common. Felicola subrostratus (20%), Lynxacarus radovskyi (3.33%), Notoedres sp. (1.67%), and Lucilia sp. (1.67%) were also found. Among the endoparasites, the protozoan Isospora felis (15%) and hookworms (13.33%) were common. The nematodes Toxocara cati (11.67%) and Physaloptera sp. (1.67%) also occurred. Other rare endoparasites include Spirometra erinacei (10.00%) and Blastocystis sp. (5%). No blood parasites were found in this study. An active spacing pattern by the stray cats was also observed, concentrating around the lagoon and canteens. In conclusion, stray cats were confirmed to be afflicted with various parasites. However, further research is needed to assess whether these stray cats pose a threat to the health of other animals and humans in the area