Survey of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) slaughtered at Zuru area, Kebbi state, Nigeria

A survey of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in dogs (Canis familiaris) slaughtered at Zuru and Bedi dog markets in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi state was conducted between the May, 2007 to July, 2007. A total of 52 faecal samples (33 males and 19 females) were collected after the evisceration of the intestinal contents. The faecal samples were collected from the intestines immediately after evisceration. The faecal samples were analyzed using Zinc sulfate floatation technique. The study showed an overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites to be 41(78.85%), with all the parasites found to have zoonotic potential. The prevalence for the various helminth eggs observed were: Uncinaria stenocephala 21(32.31%), Ancylostoma spp. 10(15.38%), Toxocara canis 7(10.77%), Isospora spp. 6(9.23%), Dipylidium caninum 5(7.69%), Taenia spp. 5(7.69%), Strongyloides stercoralis 5(7.69%), Alaria spp. 4(6.15%) and Toxocara leonina 2(3.07%). Parasites of zoonotic importance are highly prevalent in Nigerian dogs, as such public health enlightenment should target dog consumers, butchers, owners; and the prohibition of stray dogs through policy legislation and enforcement as possible control measures.