Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Prevalence of intestinal parasites in animal hosts and potential implications to animal and human health in Edo, Nigeria

  • Received : 2021.07.27
  • Accepted : 2021.09.25
  • Published : 2023.01.31
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Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasites in livestock cause huge economic setbacks. Moreover, these parasites can threaten human health when also present in companion animals. Objectives: The study examined the prevalence and burden of intestinal parasites among roaming/migrating animals (goats, sheep, cattle, and dogs) to provide insights into the risk of potential human parasitic infections. Methods: A total of 1,741 fecal samples from goats (n = 920), sheep (n = 335), cattle (n = 230) and dogs (n = 256) were obtained randomly across 18 local government areas in Edo State, Nigeria. The parasite samples were recovered and identified under a microscope. Molecular tools were used to identify Toxocara spp. Results: Eighteen different parasites were isolated. Among the different groups of parasites observed, nematodes occurred the most, followed by protozoans. Among nematodes, Haemonchus was most prevalent in goats (28.04%) and sheep (29.85%), while Strongyloides (10.86%) and Bunostomum (8.69%) were relatively high in cattle. Strongyloides (3.9%), hookworm (3.9%), and Toxocara (3.12%) were the predominant parasites in dogs. For protozoan parasites, Eimeria was most common in all 4 animal hosts. Several goats (2.39%) and sheep (2.38%) tested positive for Fasciola spp. Molecular analysis confirmed Toxocara canis in dogs for the first time in Nigeria. Conclusions: The major parasites recovered from these roaming/migrating animals have zoonotic potentials that can threaten human health.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors' wish to thank Dr. Ohiolei of the Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, China for his technical assistance with the molecular work.

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