The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Kirikkale

Heartworm infection is one of the most important parasitic diseases in dogs. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of heartworm in dogs in Kirikkale. Blood samples of 172 dogs were collected. Microfilariae were detected in 10 (5.8%). dogs with the Knott technique. The anal and excretory pores stained with acid phosphates showed that the microfilariae belonged to Dirofilaria immitis. Microfilariae were found in dogs aged between 2-10 years, and especially in Siberian huskies, setters, pointers and crossbred sheepdogs. The serum samples of 142 dogs were analyzed using the commercial ELISA test kit for detection of anti-D. immitis antibody. The occult infection rate was found to be 27.46% in dogs. According to these results, Kirikkale region has a high risk for heartworm infection.