A survey of deworming with praziquantel in domestic dogs infected with Echinococcus in Huanxian, Gansu

Objective To assess the performance of deworming with praziquantel in domestic dogs in the endemic area of echinococcosis in Huanxian county of Gansu province, identify the factors influencing the deworming in domestic dogs and further control the infectious source of echinococcosis.

Methods Three townships were selected through stratified sampling in 12 townships in Huanxian according to the positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in dog feces (high, medium and low levels). One natural village was selected randomly from each selected township and all the dog owners in the selected villages were investigated. We collected the information about the frequency of praziquantel distribution, the feeding pattern of praziquantel and the attitude of dog owners to dog deworming by using standard questionnaire.

Results Among 138 dog owners, only 30 (21.74%) gave their dogs monthly deworming during July 2016–June 2017. The proportion of monthly deworming was 8.51% (4/47) in the village praziquantel where praziquantel tables were distributed every 10 months, while it was 26.83% (11/41) in the village praziquantel where praziquantel tables were distributed every 6 months and 30.00%(15/50) in the village praziquantel where praziquantel tables were distributed every 4 months (trendχ² ＝5.8, P＜0.05). The main reasons for failing to monthly dog deworming included that the dog owners forgot to medicate (26.85%, 29/108), no praziquantel was supplied for dog owners (25.93%, 28/108) and dog owners misremembered the frequency of deworming (24.07%, 26/108). The swallowing rate of praziquantel tables in dogs was 75.00% (135/180).

Conclusion The swallowing rate of praziquantel tables in dogs was high in Huanxian, while the proportion of monthly deworming by dog owners was not high enough. The main reasons included that the dog owners forgot to medicate or misremembered the frequency of deworming. It is suggested to increase the frequency of praziquantel distribution and remind the dog owners more frequently. Government should play a leading role in the control of echinococcosis by coordinating prevention efforts and set up a supervision mechanism to ensure the monthly deworming for every dog.