Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths of faeces from in-door dogs and stray-dogs in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in dogs and dog faeces collected from streets in Makurdi, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July-September 2013. A total of 400 faecal samples viz 300 from household dogs and 100 from streets were collected and parasitologically screened using saline wet mount and faecal flotation technique. Questionnaire survey was also carried out among dog owners. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection in dogs, and in dog faeces collected from streets was 65.7% and 59.0% respectively. The five major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites identified in faecal samples of household dogs include: Ancylostoma spp (39.0%), Dipylidium spp (6.0%), Echinococcus spp (1.0%), Toxocara spp (0.7%), Trichuris vulpis (1.0%). The four major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites identified in faecal samples collected from streets are: Ancylostoma spp (44.0%), Dipylidium spp (2.0%), Toxocara spp (1.0%), Trichuris vulpis (1.0%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in infection prevalence between male and female dogs. Prevalence of helminth parasite was significantly higher (p<0.05) in adult dogs (13-24 months) than in young dogs (0-6 months). The local breed had a higher prevalence than the exotic breed and cross breed with a significant difference (p<0.05). Only 7% of dog owners in this study had awareness about canine zoonotic parasites. Due to the high prevalence of zoonotic canine gastro-intestinal helminths encountered and the low level of awareness of dog owners, there is need to educate dog owners and the public on these parasites as it will go a long way in their control.Keywords: prevalence, gastro-intestinal helminthes, faecal samples, dogs, streets