The indigenous dogs of Malawi form a fairly homogeneous group. The general type is a smooth-haired, medium-sized, terrier dog in many ways not unlike the Basenji of the Belgian Congo. Consequently it may be assumed that the local breed of dog has, generally speaking, had very little contact with exotic breeds and that it is quite possible the parasitic populations which it supports are also truly indigenous. A unique opportunity of exploring this unknown terrain presented itself when, as a result of an outbreak of rabies, it was decided to thin out the unvaccinated dog population as a veterinary control measure.