Evaluation of Giardia and Sarcocystis contamination in dog-related animals in Kashan region during the years 1999-2001

History and Considering the role significance of Giardia and Sarcocystis in contamination of human beings and domestic animals and lack of information on its condition in Iran, this study was carried out to determine the contamination rate of dog-related animals for Giardia and Sarcocystis during the years 1999-2001. The descriptive and randomized strategy of this study was conducted on 142 carnivores during four seasons from different regions of Kashan and captured by shooting. After capturing, small and large intestine were isolated and incubated in 10% formalin and transferred to parasitologic laboratory. Animal’s characteristics including genus, age and microscopic findings were recorded in special forms. Data were classified and statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Out of 142 carnivores, 70 dogs, 40 jackals, 22 foxes and 10 wolves were identified. Their age range was from 2 months to 5 years. Contamination rate for intestinal protozoa was 76.1% (108). Contamination rate for Giardia caies in dog and jackal was 5.7% and 5% respectively. Contamination rate for Giardia flis was 22.7% in fox. No contamination with Giardia caies was observed in wolf. Contamination rate for Sarcocystis in jackal, wolf, dog and fox was 50%, 50%, 41.4% and 18.4% respectively. Contamination rate for both Giardia and Sarcocystis was 40%, 32.5%, 28.6% and 9.1% in wolf, jackal, dog and fox respectively. Conclusion and Recommendations: Contamination rate for Giardia and Sarcocystis in dog-related animals was greater than expected in Kashan region. In this respect, appropriate controlling measures should be taken and it is recommended to determine the most appropriate preventive method