Prevalence and factors associated with taeniid infection among owned dogs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Human association with taeniid infected dogs could pose risk of infection. Few studies exist on prevalence of taeniid infections in dogs in Nigeria, however, none have attempted to determine extrinsic factors associated with the prevalence among owned dogs. This study, therefore, aimed at determining taeniid infection and its associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors among owned dogs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross sectional study involving the screening of 185 dog faecal samples using the floatation method was done. Questionnaire was used to obtain data on intrinsic factors such as age, gender, breed; and extrinsic factors such as management and hygienic practices and environmental factors from participating dog owners. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test at α0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 11.3 years, while the median age of the dogs was 20 months (Interquartile range 10.5 – 40). The prevalence of taeniid infection was 4.87%. Extrinsic factors such as the water source – tap water (Odds Ratio (OR): 5.5; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01, 36.8) and the feed types – dry foods (OR: 11.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 159.3) were significantly associated with taeniid infection. None of the intrinsic factors was significantly associated with taeniid infection. Taeniid infection is low among owned dogs in the study area. Source of water and the food type to dogs could be possible source of taeniid infection to dogs. Proper dog deworming and provision of clean water source could help reduce taeniid infection in dogs.