Distribution of Otodectes cynoites in domestic cats in Karbala province, Iraq

Otodectes cynotis mite is a frequently parasite of cats and other animals, remain in the ear canal and causes itching, otitis externa and severe complications. The study extended from November 2023 to October 2024, the current study the total prevalence was 86/187 (45.99 % ) along with twelve months. The cat was suspected infection brought to the Teaching Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq. All the infested cats which related with (13) breed. The microscopic examination of ear swabs of 187 cats revealed that only O. cynotis with different stages (eggs and adults). It characterized by different clinical signs (itching, itching and hearing impairment, itching and erythema, itching, and abscesses, itching, and wounds, itching wounds and abscesses, minor itching, purulent inflammation, the infection is mild and asymptomatic). The most common sign associated with mite’s infection was itching 75/86 (87.21 %). The most infected cats in bilateral (both ears) was 85/86 (98.2 %) while in unilateral 1/86 was (1.2 %). Sex male 52/111 (55.30 %), female 42/76 (44.70 %). Cats under one-year-old revealed the highest prevalence 53/115 (61.60 %). The weight less than (1Kg) was 22/45 (25.60 %). Seasons were showed the highest prevalence similar in both springs and summer 31/62 (36.00 %). Also the study analyzed risk factors, for age, weight, sex, and season, revealing no significance variations in infestation rates P≥0.05. This survey study provides crucial information concerning ectoparasite infestations in domestic cats in order to improve cat welfare and preserve public health. Key words: clinical signs, domestic cat, ear mite, risk factors.