[Inquiry of veterinarians in Niedersachsen concerning the occurrence of parasitic diseases and their control in small animals].

A questionnaire was sent to all veterinarians in Lower Saxony (approximately 3500). The regular occurrence of parasitic infections in small animals, problems with particular parasites, the routine application of diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and the significance of Echinococcus multilocularis were asked for. Due to the disappointing low number of filled-in questionnaires sent back by the practitioners (n = 68) a statistical analysis of the data was not applicable. Nevertheless, certain trends could be recognized. Cestodes and ascarids are stated as regularly occurring parasites of dogs (92.1% and 94.1%) and cats (94.1% and 95.6%) by most veterinarians. Cestodes are most frequently regarded as parasites causing problems in dogs (16.2%) and cats (17.5%). Pyrantel and praziquantel are the anthelmintics preferred by the majority of the practitioners for the treatment of parasitic infections in dogs (86.7% and 63.2%) and cats (47.1% and 75.0%). Coproscopical methods are performed by most veterinarians (92.6%) and they are generally regarded as adequate diagnostic tools (86.8%). To date, Echinococcus multilocularis is not noticed as a major problem in Lower Saxony by the practitioners, although sporadically veterinarians are asked for advice.