The risk of exposure to parasitic mites and insects occurring on pets in Southern Poland

Companion animals, including pets, can be infested by many species of parasitic mites and insects, which can pose a threat to the health of both animals and humans. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of exposure of companion animals to various species of external parasites which can be transferred to humans and cause many skin diseases. External parasites were collected in 2012–2014 from the patients of veterinary clinics in the provinces of Silesia and Malopolska (Southern Poland). Parasitic mites and insects were collected using preparation needles. Parasites were classified to species and life stage under a Stemi 2000-C stereomicroscope (Zeiss) or an ECLIPSE E- 200 optical microscope (Nikon). They were then analysed by an Optika Vision Pro system (Nikon). In total, 77 samples were taken: 62 from the Malopolska and 15 from Silesia. A total of 999 specimens of parasitic mites and 225 specimens of parasitic insects were isolated from the samples. The dominant mite species was Otodectes cynotis var. cati (Astigmatina, Psoroptidae) with 855 isolated specimens (85.6% of the total number of isolated mites). Polyplax spinulosa was the predominant parasitic insect species: 209 specimens were identified, constituting 92.9% of all examined insects. Our findings indicate that companion animals and their owners have a high risk of exposure to ectoparasites.