STUDY OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITE OF CAMEL SLAUGHTERED AT KANO MAIN ABATTOIR

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in camels are usually asymptomatic, thus goes unnoticed and untreated for a long period of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. Across - sectional study was conducted in Kano main abattoir to determine the presence of gastrointestinal parasite in camels. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of 60 camels in subsequent days and examined by the floatation techniques at Gwale Veterinary Reference Laboratory Kano State. Gastrointestinal ( GIT) parasite eggs were identified by microscopic examination. Overall, 37 out of 60 (45%) faecal samples harboured at least one parasite. The majority of parasite eggs detected were Nematodes (90.0%) followed by cestodes (6.7%) and protozoan (3.3%). Haemonchus SPP (40.0%), Emerita SPP (40.0%) trichuris SPP(16.7%) and Bunostomum SPP (13.3%) Were the most frequently encountered parasites. The difference in occurrence of parasites across sex and age adult camels (4 years) had highest prevalence of (48.8%) than young (1-4 years) (35.3%), also male camel had highest of (48.57%) than female (40%). The implications of those identified parasites were capable of stunted growth there by decreased carcass yield, quality and cost of treatment to the owner. The need for awareness campaign to camel owners and Mass chemoprophylaxis exercise cannot be over emphasized. Government and private sector collaborations will have a wider coverage area and make a lot of impacts.