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Background Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free‐roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free‐roaming cat population. Methods From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free‐roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. Results The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. Conclusion Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free‐roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high‐risk populations, such as pre‐school and school‐age children. Cats were introduced as definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis, Diplopylidium nolleri, Physaloptera praeputialis, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Joyeuxiella pasquale in different parts of Iran. The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites and intestinal helminth infections in free‐roaming cats in southeast Iran highlights the potential public health risks as well as environmental contamination. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths parasites suggests high health risks for humans living in these endemic parts. Control of parasitic zoonoses and soil‐transmitted helminths requires intersectoral collaboration about health and hygiene education for high‐risk populations, especially pre‐school and school‐age children.

This 8‐year (from 2008 to 2016) retrospective study calculated the percentage of carcass and organ (lung and liver) condemnations and estimated the direct financial costs at four slaughterhouses in Sistan‐Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran. Each carcass and organ (lung and liver) was thoroughly examined through inspection, palpation and incision following the standard protocol. Identification of the parasites was performed macroscopically. The total direct economic loss due to meat's condemnation was estimated by adding weights of each organ or carcass part and multiplying individual organ totals by their 2016 market unit price. A total of 857,039 cattle were slaughtered during this period, 64,497 livers (7.5%), 31,401 lungs (3.6%) and the carcasses of 1,171 cattle (0.1%) were condemned due to lesions caused by parasites. The main parasitic lesions in the condemned livers were attributed to Echinococcus granulosus (4.2%), Fasciola spp. (3.1%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.1%). All the condemned lungs were due to E. granulosus (3.6%). Taenia saginata cysticerci were detected in 0.1% of inspected animals. Liver condemnation due to cystic echinococcosis was the highest in fall (4.7%, p < 0.001); while lung condemnation was the highest during spring (3.98%, p < 0.001). Liver condemnation due to Fasciola spp. was the lowest in winter (2.99%, p < 0.001). Carcass condemnation as a result of cysticercosis was the highest in summer (p < 0.001). Considering the 2016 market prices, condemnations due to the studied parasites caused direct costs estimated U.S. $ 3,191,879. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report estimating the monetary losses due to parasitic infections in the slaughterhouses of this province. Due to the high financial impact of the studied parasites, a control programme should be implemented to decrease this impact. Among the organs examined for the existence of parasitic lesions, 64,497 livers (7.5%), 31,401 lungs (3.6%) and the carcasses of 1,171 cattle (0.13%) were discarded due to parasitic infections. The main parasitic lesions detected in the condemned livers were attributed to Echinococcus granulosus (4.2%), Fasciola hepatica (3.1%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.1%).

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide zoonotic cestode that lives mainly in the intestine of dog as definitive host. Its larval stage infects intermediate hosts and forms hydatid cysts mainly in the liver and lungs tissues and less other organs such as brain, eye and bone. In the experimental models, inoculation of protoscoleces into the peritoneum, thoracic cavity, subcutaneous and cerebrum produces hydatid cysts. Experimental echinococcosis in the animal models provides a good opportunity for study of the parasite-host relationship, different transmission ways of infection in the intermediate hosts and effect of new drugs. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Veterinary School, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran in 2018. In this study, cerebral hydatidosis was investigated in 6 female Wistar rats weighing (200±20 gr). For this purpose, protoscoleces were collected from hydatid cysts of infected sheep liver. Overall, 300 protoscolices were injected directly in the lateral ventricle by an insulin syringe through the implanted cannula. Results: After 4 months of inoculation, multiple thin-walled, transparent hydatid cysts were observed in the rat skull. All cysts were infertile. The cysts were localized prominently on the cerebral cortex and lesser in the parenchyma and ventricles. The cyst walls consisted of three layers consist of the outer layer (fibrous capsule), two parasitic layers and the endocyst layer (germinal layer). The cyst was surrounded by the inflammatory cells consist of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first experimental cerebral hydatidosis arisen from larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in the animal model.

Parasitological investigations on paramphistomosis were carried out over a 12-month period in the southeast of Iran to determine the prevalence and intensity of this disease. A total of 1000 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 450) and Brahman breed (n= 550) of all sex and age groups were inspected at random for the presence of paramphistomidae flukes in Zabol slaughterhouse from December 2012 to October 2013. Paramphistomes were found in 369 of 1000 necropsied cows (36.9%; 95% CI: 30.1-41.9%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Brahman breed than in Sistani breed (51% vs 19.3%). No significant correlation between prevalence, intensity of infection, sex and age of cattle was noted. Despite the difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence, and the relation between the intensity of infection and season, these were not statistically significant. The mean intensity of infection in Brahman breed was higher (652.66 ± 281.5) than Sistani breed (123.32 ± 32.2). The identification of stained trematodes to the species revealed 40, 20, 20, 15 and 5% Gastrothylax crumenifer, Cotylophoron cotylophorom, Paramphistomum cervi, Carmyerius spatiosus, Explanatum explanatum, respectively. The present results will contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of paramphistomumosis in southeastern Iran.

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran. From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology. Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P = 0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant. The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%) was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%). It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now.

This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of bovine thelaziosis, performed in the southeast of Iran, an endemic area for Iranian Sistani cattle. Between September 2012 to October 2014, 1924 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 1235) and Brahman breed (n=689) of all sex and age groups collected from Sistan and Baluchestan Province were examined using visual observation of the eyes by flushing the conjunctival sac and lachrymal duct with sterile saline solution. The overall prevalence for thelaziosis was 50 of 1924 cows (2. 6%; 95% CI: 1. 9-3. 3%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Sistani breed than in Brahman breed (3. 15% vs 1. 59%). Sixty adult worms (84. 5% of females and 15. 5% of males) were collected from the conjunctiva of the infected cattle: (50/60, 83. 3%) was the most represented species followed by (10/60, 16. 7%). The number of worms collected per cow ranged from one to seven (average ± standard deviation: 2. 08 ± 1. 49). Worms were gathered from cows throughout all months of the year. The difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence and the intensity of infection were significant, however, no significant correlation between prevalence, sex and age of cattle was noted. Bovine thelaziosis needs special attention by veterinarians in the differential diagnosis of ocular manifestations and considering its impact on cattle production.

In this experiment, abdominal cavity of 518 Iranian Sistani cattle and 498 Brahman cattle were inspected for the presence of Setaria spp. from April 2012 - May 2013. The species were determined by microscopic examination of the morphological characteristics of the anterior and posterior parts of the parasites and authentic guidelines. The overall prevalence of Setaria spp. was 28.6% and 36.5%, respectively and this difference was significant (P<0.05). Out of 148 Sistani cattle which were infected with Setaria, 51(34.4%) were infected with S. digitata, 31 (20.9%) were infected with S. labiatopapillosa, 65 (43.9%) showed mixed infection of S. digitata and S. labiatopapillosa and one case (0.6%) was infected with mixed infection of S. labiatopapillosa, S. digitata and S. marshalli. These values were 87 (47.8%), 27 (14.8%), 67 (36.8%) and 1 (0.5%) for 182 infected Brahaman cows, respectively. The proportion of infected cattle in spring and summer was greater than cooler season (autumn and winter) significantly (P<0.001). The prevalence of infection with Setaria in 2-3 years old Sistatni cattle (42.2 %) was greater than other age categories (P<0.05). Furthermore, the infection rate between males (25.5%) and females (37.3%) Iranian Sistani cattle showed significant difference (P =0.009). It is important to point out the presence of cerebrospinal setariosis, namely in sheep, goats and horses in the investigated area.

Canine dirofilariosis is presumed to be enzootic in different parts of Iran but no study has been done regarding the prevalence of canine dirofilariosis in southeastern Iran. In this study, the presence of Dirofilaria immitis circulating antigen was detected using a commercial immunochromatogeraphy kit in the sera of 100 owned dogs, which were referred to Kerman Veterinary Hospital during a 6-month period. Modified knott test and follow-up radiography and electrocardiography were performed to support the heartworm diagnosis in seropositive dogs. At the same period, 98 stray dogs were subjected to post-mortem examination of the heart, pulmonary arteries, thoracic venae cavae, and lungs for detection of adult heartworm infection. The overall seroprevalence of heartworm was estimated at 5% but only two seropositive dogs showed microfilaremia. No stray dog was infected at necropsy and all seropositive dogs were owned. The prevalence of heartworm disease showed an initial increase with age fallowed by a decline in dogs older than 6 years. There were no significant differences among the dogs regarding sex and breed. Seven infected dogs (70%) were symptomatic in physical examination, and a broad spectrum of specific clinical signs of cardiovascular involvement was noticed. Distinctive radiographic signs with varied degrees of severity were seen in 50% of cases. Electrocardiography of seropositive cases revealed specific signs of right-sided cardiomegaly in 30% of cases. In conclusion, Kerman is a low endemic area for canine dirofilariosis but further epidemiological researches are needed to identify the disease distribution and human cases in southeastern Iran.

The Cephalopina titillator is one of the most important causative agents of nasal myiasis in camels. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, histopathological effects, and molecular identification of C. titillator infestation in camels of Kerman province, South-Eastern Iran, between 2019 and 2021. The larvae were placed in 10% formalin for histopathological evaluation and species identification. Pieces of larval abdominal segments of C. titillator were selected for extraction of DNA. Partial mitochondrial CO1 genes were sequenced for final analysis. Out of the 870 camels examined, 339 (38.9%) were infested with larval stages of C. titillator . There was a significant difference between age and infection rate ( P  = 0.001), while no association between males and females ( P  = 0.074) was found. The infection rate was significantly higher in the winter ( P  < 0.001) than in the other seasons. In this study, different lesions depending on duration, locations, and the depth of larval adhesion notably degeneration changes, necrosis, and ulceration were observed. Also, in chronic cases, granulation tissue reactions were organized. Cephalopina titillator was confirmed by PCR sequencing analysis using mitochondrial CO1 region. A 582 bp nucleotide sequence was deposited in GenBank under the MW136151 accession number. Phylogenetic analysis of CO1 produced a single uniform sister clade to MZ209004 and MW167083 records from China and Iraq, respectively. The high prevalence of C. titillator in camels in this region and other areas of Iran declares that the country is in an endemic status and displays the existence of the potential risk for camels.

Gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated animals, especially in animals with traditional husbandry management cause reduction in production and performance of them. Aim of our study was to determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in indigenous camels, with traditional husbandry management that have no direct contact with other livestock. This study was carried out between Kerman and Yazd provinces of Iran, midsummer 2011. Fecal samples of 100 randomly selected camels of all age and sex, collected directly from their rectum. The fecal samples were examined by direct smear, simple flotation technique, centrifugal sedimentation technique, and McMaster egg counting technique and fecal culture to identification and determine the burden of parasites in different age groups. Nematode eggs and Eimeria oocysts were found (64 %) and (24 %) in fecal samples respectively. Parasite eggs that observed in camel feces were belong to Nematodirus spp. (52 %), Trichostrongyle type eggs (49 %), Haemonchus spp. (38 %), Trichuris spp. (14 %) Marshallagia spp. (10 %) and Eimeria cameli (24 %), the age of infected camels with helminthic infections was significantly higher than non-infected camels (p < 0.05), there was also a significant correlation between age and severity of coccidiosis (p < 0.05). Camel calves and camels below 5 years old were more infected with the Eimeria sp. than older ones. This study revealed gastrointestinal parasites is a major problem of indigenous camels with traditional husbandry, so parasite control programs must be established for increasing the productivity of this useful animal and industrial system for breeding camels recommended to increase productivity of them, especially where harsh climatic condition affected other livestock.