Prevalence of parasitism in fecal samples from maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and domestic dogs in the region of Serra da Canastra National Park, MG

The Serra da Canastra National Park is a Conservation Unit where domestic dogs live near populations of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Recognizing the importance of parasitic diseases in endangered species such as the maned wolf, our research objective was to identify and determine the prevalence of parasites in fresh fecal samples collected in January and July 2021 from both canids that inhabit the region. The dog feces were collected after the administration of a 5% glycerin enema and evacuation, while the maned wolf feces was collected along the park’s roads. For diagnosis, Sheather’s and Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ) parasitological techniques were applied. Among the dog samples, 22.5% (9/40) tested positive for at least one parasite species, mainly 44.4% (4/9) to hookworm eggs, 22.2% (2/9) to Toxocara sp. and 11.1% (1/9) to Cystoisospora sp. and trematode eggs. Among maned wolves, 75% (30/40) of samples were positive to capillariid eggs with 86.6% (26/30), followed by 16.6% (5/30) to Toxocara sp., 10% (3/30) to hookworm eggs and Dioctophyma renale, 6.6% (2/30) to Cystoisospora sp., trematode eggs and spirurid eggs, 3.3% (1/30) to Physaloptera sp. and acanthocephalan eggs.