Dogs are common in Tonga, where they exist in a close relationship with humans as pets and guard dogs and often are free-roaming due to limited property fencing and the need to scavenge for food. Little is known about the health status of these dogs and the type and level of pathogens carried by them. In this study, blood and fecal samples were analyzed to identify the presence of endoparasites and determine packed cell volume (PCV) values for dogs in Tonga. The current data deficit in this area made it necessary to develop a methodology and collect preliminary data to assist with future research in Tonga. Fecal analysis revealed hookworm in 73% of dogs, primarily those 4–12 mo old. Hematologic evaluation revealed low to borderline low PCV in 87% of dogs. The zoonotic nature of some of the pathogens identified poses a public health risk, with a particular risk for children.

狗在汤加很常见，它们作为宠物和看门狗与人类关系密切，并且由于财产围栏有限和需要寻找食物而经常自由漫步。人们对这些狗的健康状况以及它们携带的病原体的类型和水平知之甚少。在这项研究中，分析了汤加狗的血液和粪便样本，以确定体内寄生虫的存在并确定细胞堆积体积（PCV）值。目前该领域的数据缺乏，因此有必要制定一种方法并收集初步数据，以协助汤加未来的研究。粪便分析显示 73% 的狗体内有钩虫，主要是 4-12 个月大的狗。血液学评估显示 87% 的狗 PCV 处于低至临界低水平。一些已确定的病原体的人畜共患性质构成了公共卫生风险，尤其是对儿童的风险。