Parasitic diseases of dogs in Osun State, south-west Nigeria, and its zoonotic implications

Abstract

Parasitism is one of the most common disease conditions seen in dogs especially in developing countries like Nigeria. A ten-year (2006 to 2015) retrospective study of parasitic diseases diagnosed in dogs at the major Veterinary clinics in Osun State was analysed. Out of the 2,820 cases of canine parasitic conditions presented during the study period, helminthosis had the highest occurence of 2,025(71.8%). This was followed by tick infestation, babesiosis, mange and lice infestation having 1197(42.4%), 557(19.8%), 260(9.2%) and 176(6.2%) respectively. However there was a low occurrence of trypanosomiasis 11(0.4%), ehrlichiosis 32(1.1%), flea infestation 34(1.2%) and myiasis 35(1.2%). Within the studied period, the highest occurrence of parasitism was observed in 2014 (434, 15.4%) followed by 2015(336, 11.9%) and 2013(330, 11.7%), while lowest occurrence was recorded in 2007 (182, 6.4%) followed by 2009(221, 7.8%) and 2010(221, 7.8%). March (283, 10.0%) and February (267, 9.5%) had the highest occurrence of parasitism while, August (178, 6.3%) and November (214, 7.6%) had the lowest occurrence of parasitism based on monthly distribution. Breed, age and season were significantly associated with parasitism (p<0.05). In conclusion, due to the high occurrence of parasitic diseases, it is recommended that pet owners are to pay attention to the overall welfare of their dogs as some of these parasitic disease conditions are zoonotic.

Keywords: Dogs, Osun State; parasitic diseases; occurrence; zoonotic; Nigeria.