Gastro-intestinal Helminths of donkeys in Maiduguri: The Haematological changes

Abstract

The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites and the likely effect on the haematological parameters of apparently healthy adult donkeys of either sex was studied in Maiduguri, Borno State. Out of 83 animals examined, 66(79.5%) were infected while 17(20.5%) were not. The parasites encountered were strongyle (34.8%), Strongyloides (28.8%), Dictyocaulus (7.6%) and Oxyuris (1.5%) species. Mixed infections were encountered in 27.3% of the animals. The infected donkeys manifested normocytic and normochromic anaemia as well as leucocytosis characterised by eosinophilia and lymphocytosis. In conclusion, the prevalence of 79.5% was relatively high and local and state governments should extend veterinary services to the donkeys like any other domestic animals.


(Tropical Veterinarian: 2003 21(1): 53-57)