Epizootological study on the prevalence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats

The study focuses on investigating the prevalence of the pulmonary nematode infection A. abstrusus in domestic cats in the Zakarpattia region. Ukraine has approximately 7.5 million domestic cats; however, data on the epizootological characteristics of certain parasitic infestations remain insufficient. Aelurostrongylosis, caused by A. abstrusus, is a globally prevalent disease, with clinical signs including coughing, tachypnea, weight loss, and, in rare cases, fatal outcomes. Due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms, the infection often goes undiagnosed, complicating the assessment of its true prevalence. Diagnosing A. abstrusus is a key aspect of disease control. The most sensitive diagnostic method is the Baermann technique, which allows the detection of active nematode larvae in feces. Microscopic fecal examination is a rapid and accessible method; however, it may lack sufficient sensitivity. The study was conducted at the Likovet Veterinary Center in Uzhhorod during 2023–2024. Fecal samples were collected directly from the ground or litter boxes and analyzed using the Baermann method. To ensure research accuracy, the total volume of each sample was at least 30 ml. A total of 278 samples were analyzed, with 21 (7.6 %) testing positive for A. abstrusus. The morphological features of the first-stage larvae of A. abstrusus had key features, including a distinct tail end with a dorsal spine. This feature is crucial for differentiating A. abstrusus from other nematode larvae that may be present in cat feces. The length of the larvae was approximately 370 ± 25 micrometers, which is a standard parameter for their identification during microscopic examination. The infection rate among females was 52.4 %. Seasonal variations indicated a higher prevalence of infection in winter (76 %). Analysis of deworming frequency revealed that most infected cats had never undergone prophylactic treatment or had not been treated for over a year, emphasizing the need for enhanced preventive measures. A. abstrusus larvae can also be detected in pleural effusion, expectorated material, transtracheal wash fluid, or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The study recommends the simultaneous use of the Baermann method and BAL to improve diagnostic efficiency. The obtained results highlight the importance of regular deworming and health monitoring of cats to reduce the prevalence of infection. Future research may focus on studying intermediate hosts of the pathogen and identifying other factors influencing the spread of infection in different cat populations. Considering the emerging nature of the parasite in Europe, the expansion of monitoring programs is essential to prevent further spread of the helminthiasis.