A Point Prevalence Study Of Toxocariosis In Stray Cats In And Around Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from April, 2012 to July, 2012 to determine the prevalence rate and influence of different risk factors on Toxocariosis in stray cats in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 56.2% with highest prevalence rate recorded in slum area (73%) followed by village area (52.1%) and least in urban area (33.3%) (P<0.05). It was revealed that the prevalence rate of the disease is inversely related to the degree of health status (P<0.01) and age (P<0.05) of the animal. There was no significant sexwise variation (P>0.05) although slight higher infection rate was observed in females. Surprisingly, pregnant queen were found to possess higher infection rate than non-pregnant ones (P<0.05).