Prevalence of haemoparasites and its associated risk factors among dogs in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Dogs are known to be infected by different blood parasites which are transmitted through vectors and produce illness collectively termed canine vector borne diseases (CVBD) in tropical and subtropical countries including Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence of haemoparasites of dogs in Maiduguri, as well as the risk factors associated with their occurrence. The study was carried out from February 2019 to November 2019. Five wards namely Bolori 1, Bulabulin, Gwange 2, Lamisular and Limanti were selected out of the fifteen wards in the Metropolis using simple random sampling technique. Individual dog selection was based on systematic random sampling technique. Blood samples were collected from dogs via cephalic venipuncture. Wet mount, thin blood smear and buffy coat techniques were used to detect the presence of haemoparasites. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) dogs were sampled, out of which fifty one (51) were males and sixty nine (69) were females, fifty six (56) were adults (> 1 year) while sixty four (64) were young (0 – 1 year). The numbers of local, exotic and cross breeds were 64, 45 and 11 respectively. Eighty eight (88) of the dogs were confined while thirty two (32) were roaming freely. This study showed an overall prevalence of haemoparasites (14.16%) with Babesia canis (12.50%) and Ehrlichia canis (1.66%). Chi-square showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) association between haemoparasitism and age, sex and management practice. There was no association between haemoparasitism and breed (P > 0.05). It was concluded that haemoparasites are detectable among dogs in Maiduguri Metropolis and hence, the need to raise awareness on the prevention and control of haemoparasitic infections in dogs due to possible threat to animal and human health in the study area.