Animal Tungiasis in the endemic areas of Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Tungiasis is prevalent in many resource-poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa though poorly studied. Tungiasis in animals increases greater parasitic load in humans. Households across 18 endemic communities of Badagry Local Government Area, Lagos State were surveyed. Clinical examination of 1020 animals owned by the 188 sampled households was carried out by inspection of their bodies for the characteristic lesions. Intensity of the Tunga infestation were classified as light, moderate and heavy. The lesions were also staged based on Fortaleza Classification and extracted with the owners' permission. Out of 1020 animals sampled, including 492 and 528 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, the total prevalence of tungiasis infestation was 47 (4.6%) for both seasons. Dogs 25 (53.2%) were the commonest infected animal encountered. Infected animals were significantly (p=0.03) in the dry season 29(5.5%) compared to the wet season 18(3.7%). The embedded fleas were mostly located around the eyes and ears of the animals. Out of the infested animals, 55.3% had light infestation and severity of the infection were more in the dry season, however the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Reducing its zoonotic potentials requires removing obstacles to its management. The One Health principles should be followed for effective management.