Prevalence and Species Diversity of Ectoparasites Infesting Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in Imphal East and Imphal West, Manipur, India
Anju Pangambam *
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Bikendra Elangbam
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Cynthia Phijam
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Vimi Raihing
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Oinam Neroda Devi
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Joymati Laishram
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ectoparasite infestations in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are a significant health concern, affecting animal welfare and public health. This study examined the occurrence and species distribution of ectoparasites in dogs in two districts of Manipur. A total of 395 dogs, comprising 185 from Imphal West and 210 from Imphal East, were randomly selected and inspected for ectoparasites. The study was conducted over two years, from December 2023 to November 2025. The dogs were carefully examined, and ectoparasites were removed by combing and using forceps. The ectoparasites were preserved in 70% alcohol, transported to the Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, and later mounted for species-level identification using standard identification keys. Among the dogs examined, 123 dogs from Imphal West (66.49%) and 145 dogs from Imphal East (69.05%) were infested with one or more ectoparasites. Five ectoparasite species from three taxa were identified: fleas, lice and ticks. The most prevalent ectoparasite identified was Ctenocephalides canis (74.63%), followed by Ctenocephalides felis (55.97%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (26.12%), Rhipicephalus microplus (18.66%) and Heterodoxus spiniger (11.19%). The high prevalence observed in this study indicates insufficient veterinary care and suggests that dogs may serve as hosts for ectoparasites of public health importance. The study indicates that proper and regular care should be provided to dogs to reduce ectoparasite infestation and associated zoonotic risks.
Keywords: Ectoparasites, prevalence, domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris, fleas, ticks, lice, Ctenocephalides canis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Heterodoxus spiniger, Manipur