Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

A preliminary study was carried out in August 2004 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes in camels slaughtered at Kano metropolitan abattoir. A total of 177 fecal samples made up of 98 from males and 79 from females were collected and analyzed for the presence of helminth eggs and worm burden by sodium chloride floatation method and McMaster technique for egg counts. An overall prevalence rate of 78.5% was recorded. Eight types of helminthes were diagnosed, with Oesophagostomum radiatum, Haemonchus contortus, and Strongylus species being the most common. Of the 177 camels sampled, 61.0% (108) had single infection, while 17.5% (31) had multiple infections. A prevalence rate of 75.5% in males and 43.0% in females, and 24.5% in males and 8.9% in females was recorded for single and multiple infections respectively. There was no significant difference between infection rate in males and females. Interview on management system revealed that most infections emanated from poor management practices, which included lack of routine anthelminthic therapy. Therefore, improvement in herd health management through general hygiene, routine deworming and provision of proper nutrition will help in alleviating the severe effects of helminthoses on camel health and productivity.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal helminthes; dromedary camels; slaughterhouse; Nigeria

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2 (3) 2006: pp. 164-167