Canine Filariasis on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands

A canine filariasis survey was made on Okinawa. Of 557 stray dogs examined 23% were found infected with Dipetalonema reconditum Grassi, 1 dog (0.17%) was infected with Dirofilaria immitis Leidy, and 1 dog was infected with both D. immitis and D. reconditum. Dog ectoparasites were examined and developing forms of D. reconditum were found in Heterodoxus spiniger Enderlein, Ctenocephalides canis Curtis, Ctenocephalides felis Bouche, Pulex irritans Linne, and Linognathus setosus Olfers. Other data relevant to the incidence of D. reconditum, recovery of adult worms, occurrence of dog ectoparasites, incidence of infection in ectoparasites and illustrations of developing filarial forms are given.