author(s)
Sulanki Sarkar, Sonjoy Kumar Borthakur, Gautam Patra and H Lalrinkima

abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 to October 2022, to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs of different sex, breed and age groups in Tripura. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites, determine associated risk factors and identify the most important ectoparasites species of dogs in four districts of Tripura. A total of 528 dogs were screened for ectoparasites and were identified using standard taxonomic keys.Of 528 dogs, 69.69% (368/528) were positive to one or more ectoparasites. Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick was the most prevalent species (54.92%) followed by fleas Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis (41.47%), lice Trichodectis canis (3.03%) and mites demodex spp. and sarcoptes scabies var. canis (8.90%). No significant difference (p>0.05) was seen in the district wise prevalence but during study period significant difference (p<0.05) was seen in the association based on age, sex, breed and category. Ectoparasites were found more prevalent in male dogs (75.67%) than in female (62.06%). The prevalence of ectoparasites was more in age groups of 6 month to 1 year (79.66%) and stray dogs (79.80%) compared to puppies and household dogs. It was concluded that ectoparasites, some of which may concern to public health are prevalent in the study area and affect the dogs irrespective of their age, sex, or breed.