Seasonal variation of dog and ringtail endoparasites from neotropical urban green areas of Mexico.

Objective. Assess the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) and dogs (Canis familiaris) in public parks of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Materials and methods. During 1 March-May (dry season) and July-September (rainy season) of 2021, 90 dog and 90 ringtail excreta (180 in total) were collected in three public parks, and were identified through smear, flotation, and Lugol staining techniques. Results. 15 species or genera of gastrointestinal parasites were identified in the feces of dogs and ringtails, including two protozoan species, nine nematode species, one acanthocephalan species and three flatworm species. Among these, Ancylostoma caninum and Giardia lamblia were the most prevalent during both the dry and rainy seasons. The frequency of gastrointestinal parasites did not differ in the season or species mammal, only among the parasite species. Parasite diversity was higher in ringtails during both seasons. Conclusions. These results indicate that, regardless of seasonality, the breakdown of barriers between natural and urban areas favors the dissemination of gastrointestinal parasites with potential negative effects on wildlife and humans. It is necessary to increase studies of gastrointestinal parasites in public parks for biodiversity conservation.