ABSTRACT

Dogs that harbor infective parasites are potential sources of environmental contamination, representing a high risk of infection for other dogs and hwnan. Faeces samples of dogs were examined, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite of dogs in Abia State, Nigeria. Out of the 56 samples examined 46 were positive. Parasites detected were Ancylostoma caninum 33(58.93%), Toxocara canis 29(51.79%), Trichuris vulpis 21(37.5%), Dipylidium caninum 19(33.93%), Tenia hydatigena 8(14.29%) Uncinaria s/enocepha/a (7.14%), Gicrdia species. (8.93.%) and /sospora species. (1.79%). The geographical characteristics and the wet weather of the region under consideration, together with the socio-economic situation of the population may favour transmission. The prevalence 10und in stray and domesticated dogs were 83.33% and 80.77%, respectively. Stray dogs which are often free-roaming, favours environmental contamination. The nrevalence of A. caninum and T. vulpis were significantly higher among 3 years--ol.l dogs rather than in older animals. Multiple infections were more frequent (80%) than infections with a single parasite (20%) and the most common parasi1 ~ association with multiple infection were (21.87%) was among A.caninum, T. vu/pis, T. canis and. D. caninum The high prevalence of animals that can harbor m my parasites together with the zoonotic potential of the parasites found in the sannles, indicate that dog faeces could be the source of several parasite infections for human as well as canine populations of the region under study. The parasite zoonoses transmitted by dogs are still a sanitary problem in Umuahia, Abia state.