Zoonotic interaction of the enteric helminth parasites in Yankari National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

Fresh faecal samples of 96 wild animals in Yankari National Park (YNP), 69 domestic animals and 57 human beings in villages within YNP and its surrounding villages were collected in universal bottles and preserved with 10.0% formalin and subsequently analyzed for helminth parasites occurrence using floatation method .The total egg count (TEC) was done using Mcmaster slide method .The data were analyzed using measure of central tendency, ANOVA, t-test, correlation coefficient and chi-square.
There was cross-infection of helminth parasites among the three groups examined. Helminth parasites occurrence in human, wild and domestic animals were 17.5%, 32.6% and 66.7% of the total sample respectively. There was a significant (p<0.05) linear relationship (r =0.18) between percentage occurrence of parasites in wild animals and human. Occurrence of parasites in wild and domestic animals also exhibited significant linear relationship (p <0.01, r =0.94). Helminth parasites occurrence was more prevalent in herbivores. Strongyles species has the highest mean of occurrence (26.56%) followed by Eimeria oocyst (12.68%), Strongyloides sp. (9.63%), Ancylostoma sp. (7.87%), Trichuris sp. (1.05%), Ascaris sp (0.35%) and Taenia sp. (0.48%). TEC ranged between 50 and 2650
Occurrence of helminth parasites in wild animals in YNP is established,Strongyles sp. Being the most prevalent.Helminth parasites occurrence is predominant in herbivores.Having attempted to understand the interconnections involved in ecosystem health,and the processes within and outside the YNP,an integrated approach involving wildlife and ecosystem monitoring during strategic planning and utilization of natural resources is suggested.


Keywords: Zoonosis, enteric helminthes, parasites, wild animals, National park

African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol. 4 2005: pp.47-54