Gastrointestinal parasites of Camelus dromedaries in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in camels are usually asymptomatic, thus goes unnoticed and untreated for a long period of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September, 2021 in Sokoto Central Abattoir to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal parasites in camels. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of 300 camels and examined by the floatation and sedimentation techniques. Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasite eggs were identified by microscopic examination in comparison to standard keys. Overall, 194 out of the 300 (64.66%) faecal samples harboured at least one parasite. The majority of parasite eggs detected were nematodes (76.0%) followed by protozoan (14.0%), cestodes (10.7%) and trematodes (3.3%). Strongyle spp. (37.33%), Trichomera spp. (19.33%) and Trichuris spp. (13.33%) were the most frequently encountered parasites. The differences in occurrence of parasites across sex, age, body condition and breed of the camels were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The need for awareness campaigns to camel owners and mass chemoprophylaxis exercise cannot be overemphasized.  Government and private sector collaborations will have a wider coverage area and make a lot of impacts.