Echinococcosis in the stray dogs of Tehran, Iran

Echinococcus granulosus infections were detected in 29 (48%) of 60 stray dogs from Tehran. The adult worms, in a random sample, measured 3.0-7.7 mm in length. The mean, estimated age of the dogs investigated was 5 years, with no significant differences in the prevalences observed in the young, mature and old animals. Bad abattoirs and the frequent slaughter of animals in places other than abattoirs appear to be the main reasons for the high prevalence of canine echinococcosis in Tehran and elsewhere in Iran.