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Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis with extensive increased interest. Epidemiological data are available in several regions of the USA, Europe and Asia in contrast to other parts of the world such as North Africa. Blood samples of 261 healthy individuals divided in two groups i.e., dog handlers and blood donors were analysed. Indirect immunofluorescent assay using a commercial kit was performed to detect specific A. phagocytophilum IgG. Two dilutions were used to assess the prevalence of seroreactive samples. Demographic variables were assessed as potential risk factors using exact logistic regression. Seropositivity rates reached 37% and 27% in dog handlers and 36% and 22% in blood donors. No statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence rates between the two groups. Analysis of risk factors such as gender, age groups, outdoor activities, self-reported previous exposure to ticks, or contact with domestic animals (dogs, cats, ruminants and horses) did not shown any significant difference. A. phagocytophilum exposure was common in both high-risk population and blood donors in Morocco.

Cystic and alveolar hydatid disease of humans caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis are significant zoonoses in developing countries. For human infections, the main definitive host is the dog, and reduction in the population of unwanted dogs, together with anthelmintic treatment of wanted dogs, are recommended control procedures for these zoonoses. Both owned and unowned dogs have been shown to be a major source of Echinococcus spp. infection in developing countries. Unowned dogs are the most challenging category in dog population management for the control of major zoonotic diseases. Unowned dogs are those dogs that do not have an owner, and those dogs whose owner cannot readily be identified. Control of numbers of unowned dogs can be done in various ways if funds are available. Fertility control and humane euthanasia are likely to be the most effective procedures in developing countries. Fertility control requires significant funding, and where resources are scarce humane euthanasia may be the most effective option. Both procedures are ongoing events, with no predictable end point. This paper examines the sociology and technology for the population management of owned and unowned dogs, specifically for the reduction of human hydatid disease. Examples are given for developing and developed countries. Although a "One Health" approach is desirable, the technology for hydatid control is different from that for rabies, and FAO Animal Welfare recommendations for dog population management should be adjusted accordingly., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Dogs living in a domestic–wildlife interface can serve as reservoirs and sentinels of parasites shared among humans, domestic animals and wildlife. In Kenya, the epidemiology of intestinal parasites of dogs and their role as reservoirs of zoonoses is poorly understood, especially in domestic–wildlife interfaces. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal helminths in domestic dogs in the Oloisukut Conservancy. One hundred dog faecal samples were collected per rectum and examined microscopically following zinc chloride flotation and formal-ether concentration techniques. Genotyping of helminths was achieved by nested polymerase chain reaction of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, cytochrome oxidase 1 and partial sequencing. Nine genera were detected by microscopy in 65 (65%) dog faecal samples from 54/76 (71.05%) households. The most frequent helminths were hookworm (39%), Spirometra spp. (17%), taeniids (13%), Toxocara spp. (10%), Trichuris spp. (10%), Spirocerca lupi (5%), Physaloptera spp. (2%), Dipylidium caninum (1%) and Strongyloides spp. (1%). Ancylostoma caninum was the only hookworm species detected in dogs, while Taenia serialis and Taenia madoquae were detected in four and one faecal samples, respectively. This study reports for the first time the molecular detection of the cestodes Spirometra theileri, D. caninum and Mesocestoides sp. in dogs in Kenya. The presence of zoonotic helminths in dogs indicates that the residents of this conservancy are exposed to public health risks. The helminths reported here confirm the interaction of domestic dogs with wildlife. An integrated control programme involving the medical, veterinary and wildlife conservation professionals is needed to avert transmission of infectious diseases to humans, domestic animals and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]