Epidemiological survey of canine babesiosis in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of Babesia canis and their tck vectors was investgated in Makurd 108 dogs were screened for Babesia canis and 208 dogs were examined for tick ectoparasites. 10.2 % o the dogswere positive for Babesia canis infecton. Chi square analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates in male and female dogs (X2 = 2.579, df = 1, P > 005). 75.9 % of dogs examined for ticks were infested with either Rhipicephalus, Boophilus and Amblyomma species or combination ofthe three. The paws were the most preferred site of attachmentfor the tcks. 126 (79.6 %) of the 158 inested dogs had ticks on the paw (X2 = 10.388, df = 4, P > 005). The publc health implications of these findings especially as relates to the increasing incidence and prevalence of dog borne zoonotic infections are discussed.

Keywords: Babesia canis, Ticks, Public health risk