Intestinal Helminthoses in Dogs in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Intestinal helminths in dogs provide a potential source of infection in humans due to the close contact be­tween humans and dogs. Due to the limited information on parasites infecting dogs in Kaduna State, Nigeria, a cross sec­tional study was conducted with the aim of determining the diversity and prevalence of intestinal helminths of dogs in the area.
Methods: During the survey, 160 gastrointestinal tracts of dogs killed for meat selected by simple sampling technique were collected and examined for helminths in Kaduna metropolis, latitude 10⁰ 50^I  N and longitude 7⁰ 50^I E.
Results: Of the helminths found, Dipylidium caninum (75.0%), Taenia hydatigena (43.8%), Diphyllobothrium latum (6.3%), Ancylostoma caninum (6.3%) and Toxocara canis (6.3%) were the most common. Female dogs were more likely of contacting intestinal helminths than male dogs (RR = 1.125). Higher mean worm burden was recorded for dogs infected by T. hydatigena and D. caninum than dogs infected by T. canis, D. latum or A. caninum.
Conclusion: The presence of these parasites in dogs examined indicates a potential public health problem in Kaduna me­tropolis. Mass enlightenment of dog keepers on the need for periodic veterinary care and restriction of stray dogs through legislation formulation and enforcement are recommended as possible control measures.