Extra-intestinal nematodes of companion animals are of growing concern in veterinary medicine for their pathogenic
potential and the current expansion throughout Europe. The present study has evaluated the occurrence
of major canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in regions of Italy having epidemiological relevance.
Associations of various recorded parameters related to the examined animals have been statistically evaluated,
along with a comparative analysis with the most recent epidemiological data. Overall, 1055 dogs and 1000 cats
were tested. Among extra-intestinal nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most common in dogs followed
by Capillaria aerophila and Dirofilaria spp.; Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most recorded parasite in cats,
followed by C. aerophila and Troglostrongylus brevior. The statistical analysis revealed that outdoor access is
associated with A. vasorum, A. abstrusus and T. brevior infections, that were also more prevalent in animals with
cardio-respiratory signs. Moreover, cats aged less than 12 months had more chances to be infected by lungworms.
The data herein presented confirm the occurrence and the possible risk of expansion of different extraintestinal
parasitoses of dogs and cats in Italy, underlining the importance of a constant epidemiologic vigilance
and of appropriate control methods.
