Prevalence of Tick Infestation and Endo Parasites Infection of Dogs in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of ticks, endo, and haemoparasites of dogs in Abuja was conducted. A total of 500 dogs were examined for ticks, endo, and haemoparasites by standard methods. Of the 500 dogs screened, 145 (29.0%) were positive for ticks, 280 (56.0%) were positive for endoparasites, while 55 (11.0%) for haemoparasites. Ticks detected comprised Amblyomma variegatum (1.6%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (27.4%), while endoparasites detected included Ancylostoma caninum (12.0%), Dipylidium caninum (10.0%), Isospora oocysts (10.0%), Taenia hydatigena (8.0%), Toxocara canis (12.0%) and Trichuris vulpis (4.0%) and haemoparasites detected were Babesia canis (10.2%) and Ehrlichia canis (0.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in the sex, age, location, and the breeds of dogs with the infestation of parasites. Though the prevalence was higher in females and young dogs examined. It was concluded that some species of the ticks, endoparasites, and haemoparasites present a public health concern considering that dogs are pet and companion animals, therefore regular treatment and tick control should be introduced.