PREVALENCE AND SPECIES DIVERSITY OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN DOGS IN SELECTED PARTS OF SABON GARI, ZARIA, NIGERIA: A COMBINED RETROSPECTIVE AND PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs pose significant veterinary and public health risks in developing regions due to poor sanitation and close human-animal contact. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of GI parasites in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Nigeria. A retrospective review of laboratory records (2012–2016, n=376) and a prospective cross-sectional survey (January–March 2017, n=89) were conducted. Prospective faecal samples were examined using the zinc sulphate–sucrose flotation technique. Retrospective data revealed an overall prevalence of 44.7% (168/376), with the highest prevalence recorded in 2012 (57.5%; p=0.027). While females (48.4%) and the wet season (45.5%) showed higher rates than males (41.9%) and the dry season (44.0%), these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). In the prospective study, overall prevalence was 47.2%, with female dogs (61.8%) having a significantly higher prevalence than males (38.2%; p=0.03). Identified parasites included Taenia spp. (12.4%), Isospora spp. (9.0%), Toxocara canis (6.7%), and Ancylostoma caninum (6.7%), alongside species such as Trichuris vulpis and Dipylidium caninum. GI parasites are endemic in Sabon Gari dogs, presenting notable zoonotic risks. Enhanced public awareness, routine deworming, and improved management of dogs are essential to limit environmental contamination and transmission.
Keywords: Dogs; Gastrointestinal parasites; Prevalence; Sabon Gari; Zoonosis
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