PREVELANCE OF ENDOPARASITES IN DOGS IN MCASHLEY PET MEDIC, OLUYOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IBADAN.
Abstract
Endoparasitic infections in dogs represent significant veterinary and public health concerns due to their high prevalence and zoonotic potential in tropical environments. This study investigated the prevalence of endoparasites in dogs presented at McAshley Pet Medic, Oluyole Local Government Area of Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 66 dogs comprising 37 males and 29 females. Fresh fecal samples were collected from each dog and examined using direct smear, modified Wisconsin sugar flotation, and sedimentation techniques. Parasite identification was based on morphological characteristics of eggs, cysts, and oocysts observed through microscopic examination. The results revealed an overall prevalence of 77.3%, with 51 out of 66 dogs positive for at least one endoparasite species. Eleven different parasite species or genera were identified, with Isospora spp. being the most prevalent (24.2%), followed by Taenia spp. (10.6%), Toxocara canis (9.1%), Alaria spp. (9.1%), Schistosoma spp. (7.6%), Balantidium coli (4.5%), Entamoeba spp. (4.5%), Ancylostoma caninum (3.0%), Sarcocystis spp. (1.5%), Spirocerca lupi (1.5%), and unidentified Hematode (1.5%). Male dogs showed higher infection rates (89.2%) compared to females (62.1%), with males harboring greater parasite diversity. Mean eggs per gram (EPG) counts varied considerably among parasite species, ranging from 200.00 for Spirocerca lupi to 4000.00 for Sarcocystis spp., with an overall mean of 1195.15 EPG.
The high prevalence of endoparasites, including several zoonotic species such as Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum, underscores the need for improved veterinary care, regular deworming programs, and public health education to minimize transmission risks among variable species to human populations. The study provides baseline data for monitoring endoparasitic infections and developing targeted control strategies in Ibadan Oluyole Local Government Area.
Keywords: Endoparasites, dogs, prevalence, Isospora, Toxocara, zoonosis, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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