[An Epidemiological Study On Zoonoses In Korea]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Public Health
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Helminthic zoonoses pose significant public health and socioeconomic risks.
• Endoparasitic infections are common in domestic animals in Korea.
• A nationwide survey was lacking to assess animal helminthiasis prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of helminth parasites in domestic animals nationwide.
• To understand the parasite-host relationship from an epidemiological perspective.
• To inform the development of effective control strategies for zoonotic helminths.

Main Methods:

• Fecal specimens from cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats were collected from 26 localities.
• A total of 13,685 specimens were examined using the formalin-ether centrifugal sedimentation technique.
• Prevalence rates were analyzed based on animal type, province, and area (rural/urban).

Main Results:

• Overall helminth parasite prevalence was 71.7% across 13,685 examined specimens.
• Prevalence varied significantly by animal: cattle (99.0%), sheep (86.5%), pigs (85.4%), dogs (35.4%), and cats (15.1%).
• Eighteen species of zoonotic helminths were identified, including nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes.

Conclusions:

• Helminth infections are highly prevalent in Korean domestic animals, indicating a substantial risk for zoonotic transmission.
• Geographic and animal-specific variations in prevalence necessitate targeted control efforts.
• The study underscores the urgent need for improved surveillance and control measures for animal helminthiasis to protect public health.