Background: Baylisascaris procyonis is a zoonotic roundworm. Clinical disease, occasionally fatal, has been reported in dogs and humans. There are limited studies on the epidemiology or clinical features of Baylisascaris procyonis in dogs and cats from the United States (US) and Canada.
Objectives: To describe the geographic distribution and clinical features of fecal qPCR detected Baylisascaris procyonis in dogs and cats. Animals: A total of 74 dogs, and 3 cats, from the US (n=55) and Canada (n=22) detected with Baylisascaris procyonis by the KeyScreen® GI Parasite PCR.
Methods: Questionnaires regarding individual dog and cat demographics, clinical signs, and treatment were distributed to the veterinarian who submitted fecal samples with detected Baylisascaris procyonis on the KeyScreen® GI Parasite PCR. Descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results: Detected Baylisascaris procyonis dogs and cats (Figure 1) were reported from the Midwestern (35%) and Northeastern US (22%), and Ontario, Canada (23%). Most US (69%) Baylisascaris procyonis detected animals resided in a suburban environment (69%), while the majority (80%) from Canada were reported to reside in an urban environment. Most (62%) animals did not have reported clinical signs; however, 36% had gastrointestinal signs reported. Most treated animals (72.9%) were reported to have responded well to anthelmintic treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The geographic distribution of detected Baylisascaris procyonis in dogs and cats is similar to that reported in raccoons. Our work raises awareness of zoonotic risk, informs clinical management and provides valuable One Health information.
